The One that Mamita Loves

My inlaws are both based in UAE and surely just like us, they have been eagerly anticipating for our little one and yes they were. Ever since they heard the news, they have been showering and pampering the little one with baby accessories that hubby and I barely have to buy. Here are some of her loots from her beloved Mamita!

Thank you Mamita and Papilo!

The One with the Pink and Purple Crib

Hubby and I have been scouting for either a playpen or a wooden crib for weeks now and biy, we didnt expect them to be that expensive! We were choosing between a playpen or a wooden crib but since we have limited space in our room (and beacuse I dont want to put Elle in a separate room) and mobility is important, I believe playpen it is! 

I learned that playpens can go anywhere Php8,000-15,000 for the branded ones while wooden cribs range between Php 8,000-10,000.00, both are definitely slaps to our budget.And then I came acroos a sulit.com seller who sells all baby stuffs ranging from playpens, stroller, carriers and Avent. I remembered them as the seller where from my cousin bought a playpen for my niece a few months back. She got hers for only Php3,500.00 and it includes a carrier, a small diaper bag, a diaper changing rack and mosquito net. 

I made an inquiry and saw a new arrival, a pink and purple tinkerbell playpen. Though it doesn 't come with a diaper bag and a carrier, its a best buy at only Php 2,500.00 plus delivery fee of Php250.00. The playpen has two layers, one for infants and the lower rack for toddlers and comes with mobile toys, changing rack, playpen hood, storage bag and mosquito net.

Here are some photos of this Tinker bell pink and purple playpen.

Preparing for the Little One

I was told that the little bun will be a girl and I am so thrilled. Hubby and I had been preparing for possible names to consider and we came up with Maren Elizabeth. The name Maren Elizabeth was taken from the novel "The Power of Six"  of the Lorien Legacies by Pittacus Lore. Hubby has been reading the series since last  year and his iPad has a collection of this book series. The nickname, Elle, is from the character of Reese WItherspoon in the movie series "Legally Blonde".

Elel has been moving like crazy in my tummy now that I am on my 27th week. Mamita (my mother in law) has always been supportive and excited for baby Elle that she already took the initiative of buying some baby stuffs from UAE.

Hubby and I are planning to start buying for more baby stuff once the opening of the school year rush is over. We've been eyeing to buy a cute crib/playpen, beddings and infant wear. I'lle be having my 3d/4d ultra sound on June 1 at In My Womb so I can avail of their basic 3d/4d package priced at Php3,500.00.

My LTO Experience...

I applied for a student's permit several years ago. Never applied for driver's license after that, but I vividly remember how terrible that experience was with LTO Noveleta. Last Monday,after much thought, I came along with my husband who was accompanying my sister in law and we headed to LTO Las Pinas. Well compared to their Noveleta branch, I found Las Pinas branch to be cleaner and more organized. Instructions on what to do for a specific document are printed in tarpaulins and posted all over the branch. I brought the photocopy and original copy of my birth certificate, along with one valid ID.

If you are an applicant for student permit, you need to proceed to Window 11 with your documents so you an fill up your application form. It is also in the same window where you will be given a blank form for the evaluator and your number. Wait for your number to be called and proceed to Window 15 where you'd be asked to swore in. The evaluator will then check and assess your documents before your last name will be called in Window 16 for your ID picture. Be mindful to look at the camera during your picture taking and sign afterwards. Proceed to the cashier and pay the applicable fees:

Student Permit (SP) Fee – Php 150.00
Application Fee – Php 100.00
Computer Fee – Php 67.63
———————————— Total = Php 317.63

Wait for the release of your permit in Window 21.

Here are some pertinent information 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to read and write in Filipino or English.
• Must not be a drug user and/or alcoholic.
• Must be clean, neat and presentable.

(For 16-18 Years Old)

A. Download, Print and Fill Up the LTO APPLICATION FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE (ADL) FORM.
B. Proof of Identity: (Any of the Following)

• Original and Photocopy of Birth Certificate.
• National Statistics Office (NSO) authenticated Birth Certificate (Certified True Copy) with Official Receipt.

C. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
D. Notarized Parent / Guardian letter of consent.

(For 19 Years Old & Above)

A. Download, Print and Fill Up the LTO APPLICATION FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE (ADL) FORM.
B. Proof of Identity: (Any of the Following)

• Photocopy of Birth Certificate.
• Authenticated Birth Certificate with Official Receipt.
• Photocopy of Passport with Original Valid Passport
• Any legal or government issued documents. (SSS ID, PhilHealth ID, GSIS ID, Pag-Ibig ID)

C. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)

Tickled Pink

We are tickled pink and excited to say that a sweet little girl is coming our way...
Yes, our baby's gender had finally been revealed and we are having a girl!

Personalized Chocolate smash cake by Majesto Homespun Cakes...

Ready for the Gender Reveal

I am on my 26th week of pregnancy and yesterday, I had my monthly check up and an ultrasound to know the gender of our little bun. While hubby and I now know the gender, we would like to make everyone guessing about the baby's gender and decided to have a personalized cake to do the gender reveal.
We had it made for us by Majesto Cake Art, the same shop which made my customized pull away cake for my 30th birthday. Its a moist chocolate smash cake (Php 500.00) with a cute design fit for the baby's gender reveal. Can't wait to post here.

Mom's Day Out

Last April 20, my mom celebrated her 61st birthday but we were in Cam Sur that time so aside from the greetings I posted in FB, I wasn't able to do much for her birthday. When I came back, I asked mom for a date. i intended to have her enjoy spa treatments but she said she would rather go malling, so that is exactly what we did. We donned the same So Fab slippers and we headed to Southmall where we spent the whole day together.

20 Weeks Preggo!

I am halfway there...Thank God!

Baby weighs about 10.2 ounces and measures about 6.5 inches (as big as a banana that is). The baby has still got a lot of growing to do, though. At week 20, the baby has working taste buds, and she's gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day -- that's significantly more than before.

Making it to 20 weeks probably feels pretty darn good. After all, my energy’s high and I don't get easily tired. Of course, it wouldn’t be pregnancy if we weren’t experiencing some annoying symptoms. Right now, it’s likely swelling, heartburn and leg cramps, but all of that probably feels insignificant now that I’ve got those fluttering and kicking happening inside my tummy!

So yes, congratulations...I am indeed halfway there.

New Mommy's Checklist

Last Sunday, Eds and I went to SM Southmall to buy my gift for the Christening of my niece. Andrea Jane. I felt excited and really wanted to start buying some baby stuff already but I was told not to unless I am quite sure of the baby's gender. Hubby started to scout for baby wear and a few more knick knacks for our coming little and it was really fun (except for the fact that how something so small can be so expensive!). While paying at the counter I was handed a store checklist at the Baby Company and I can say it was a really comprehensive list especially for new moms and dads like us. Here is a glimpse of the Baby Company's checklist...

I also inquired about their Mom Card and too bad it was out of stock. I should have gotten a free one since my purchase was more than Php500.00. Anyway, I was told that if one wants to apply, mommies need to pay Php100.00 for the card application and you can get it for free with a Php500.00 minimum purchase at the Baby Company.Check out Baby Company for more details...

I want to share my Platito's picture (my niece Andrea Jane whom I fondly call Platito because of her chubby and fluffy cheeks) with the Kikay headband I bought for her.

Andrea Jane C. Caja (aka Tita Aby's Platito)

Isn't my Platito a darling?

Life's Lesson

"Motherhood is a perspective changing experience."

Adorn Your Bump with Maternity Sashes

Maternity sashes  are an emerging trend in maternity and newborn photo shoot and fashion. Now you can adorn your growing baby bump with ornate designs made of ribbons, bows and flowers to make a unique and stylish statement for your photo shoot. 

Sample maternity sashes...

I am so psyched in having a maternity photo shoot but showing off my bump makes me so conscious at the same time. Good that I stumbled upon DaintyAshley an online seller of handmade baby headbands, clips, hairbows and other accessories. I learned about a new product which she will be launching soon-maternity sashes. Well maternity sashes are so popular in the United States with Etsy on the helm of selling them. 

So unless you have friends in the US or you simple have the patience to order online and actually wait for it, then Etsy would be the best place to go. Until of course finally, DaintyAshley comes along.

The transaction is smooth and easy. She was just about to laucnh the product when I made my inquiry and thank God because she accommodated my order immediately. She asked me what theme do I like and even sent some samples to choose from. For me, it was Vintage Shabby Chic. I sent her a sample and a week after, she sent my the product's picture for my approval.I will be paying for it today, it was reasonably priced at Php620.00 (with 25% discount as buena mano,) plus Php75.00 shipping bringning the total to Php 540.00 only.

My vintage shabby chic-inspired maternity sash. Custom made by Dainty Ashley

Php 620.00

Supplier Rating for DaintyAshley= 10 thumbs up

Donning on a Maternity Wear

I'm on my 16th week in my pregnancy and my belling is starting to show! I am slowly beginning to look pregnant. My daily uniform at work is starting to feel tighter (especially my trousers) so I started scouting for some maternity wear. Most of my casual clothes still fit me as I love loose designs of blouses so what I am worried about are my daily work attire. I bought a pair of maternity pants at SM department store and I love the comfy feel around the belly.

It has this pouch which gives room for the tummy and it is made up of cotton material prized at Php595.00. I was able to score a pair of wrap around blouse from Unica Hija (not really a maternity wear but it does the job) at Php795.00 and another bubble type blouse at marked down prize of  Php500.00.

As for now, I am planning to alternate my daily uniform with my maternity wear since my blouse still has extra room and pair it with my maternity pants.

Tagaytay Weekend

A few weeks back, my husband and I brought my parents to Tagaytay for a Sunday Mass at the Pink Sisters convent. Since Sunday masses are always jampacked, we left early so we can have a parking slot and seats during the mass. There are two mass schedules every Sunday at the Pink Sisters Convent, on at 7:30 am and the next is at 5:00 pm. 
The Pink Sisters convent is a popular stop in Tagaytay itinerary. Cloistered nuns wear Pink, thus the name Pink Sisters. It was my dad's first time to attend mass at the convent so he was intrigued by the metal grills that separate the public from the cloistered nuns.
Here are some pictures from our Pink Sister's Sunday mass...

Edu, Daddy and Mommy....

Me, Daddy and Mommy...

Dad and Mom....

So candid....

After the mass, we headed to Sonya's Garden. My dad loves plants and so I wanted him to see the rustic feel of Sonya's garden.We spent almost an hour there, checking out the place and inquiring for our much needed staycation...

We had our luch at RSM Lutong Bahay which is just beside Max's restaurant. I asked Mom and Dad if they wanted to eat at Max's and dad said he wanted something na "lutong bahay" so my husband immediately suggested RSM as we once dined there with my inlaws... Dad chose Sinigang na Maya Maya sa Miso while Mom opted a Ginataang Tilapia. I ordered Grilled Liempo and Eds wanted some Seafood Bouillabase. We didnt order for desserts since we are planning a quick stop at Amira's Buko Tart before heading home...

Amiras Buka Tart @ Php180.00/9 pcs.

Sonya's Adobo Roll @ Php120.00

Amiras Blueberry Cheesecake Tart @ Php180.00/half-dozen

My Fourth Prenatal Visit

Last February 16, hubby and I went to BF Maternity Clinic to see Dra. Samoy (my ob-gyne) for my fourth pre-natal check up. Hubby called at around 4pm so I can be listed already. We arrived at around 6pm and we thought that the doctor wouldn't be there yet, but this time though, she was indeed early. They were calling out the third patient in the list and fortunately I was next.

Well I was not thrilled to know that I gained three pounds over a month (since I lost 2 pounds during our last visit) but my doctor said it is but normal at this stage of pregnancy. I am in my 14-15th week of pregnancy and I can say that this time, I am starting to look pregnant. My blood pressure is normal at 90/60 and my ob-gyne used a fetal doppler to listen to the baby's heartbeat. I was advised to go easy on sweets and rice which I really am finding difficult to do since I feel really tired from a day of teaching if I am to eat without rice.

Well, let's see. I am hoping to maintain that 3 pounds gain and not gain further. Bring it on!

Reading and Pregnancy

I believe that I owe my language skills all to my mom. I know that while she was pregnant, she was working then as a gradeschool teacher (grade one in particular) thus she talks most of the time, reads and sings always too. Even my name has something to do with a novel she was reading while she was pregnant.

A baby’s nerve pathways in the ears and neural system in the brain start developing as early as the twenty-sixth week, which is when the baby will begin responding to sounds and voices regularly. Introducing music and words while your baby is still growing inside of you may increase your baby’s intelligence; many expectant parents can start talking to their babies in the womb, reading to them and playing soothing music to generate a response from their developing brains. Reading provides auditory stimulation for babies’ growing brains and can acclimate children to the sounds of their parents’ voices.

During the early stages of development, you can train a baby’s brain to recognize words and sounds well before she understands the meaning behind them. A baby developing in the womb can become sensitive to her parents’ sounds and touches; reading aloud provides a soothing sound for baby to tune into while resting and growing.

The tones, voices and sounds that the baby hears during development can provide the foundation for learning new sounds and words after she is born. After delivery, the baby may be more likely to respond positively to the people to whom she “listened” during development. Reading promotes language development, attention development, concentration skills and information synthesis. A baby’s cognitive skills can also be improved with a variety of stimuli; reading represents one way to enhance these important developmental skills.

For now, me and my baby are always reading out aloud. I bought a jumbo book of fairy tales which I read aloud every night and for mommy, I have a new Nicholas Sparks book-The Lucky One.

Infanticipating & Exploring

Last weekend, we were treated to an overnight getaway at Club Balai Isable in Talisay Batangas. It is a 12-hectare property which will surely delight you to a an activity-filled weekend. The resort is right on the shores of the the world-famous Taal Lake and just 6kms from the volcano, it is truly a place to relax, connect and be one with nature. There are three restaurants, over 140 rooms, facilities which include a wedding chapel, 6 hectares of fruit bearing rees, a holding area and functions rooms. Guests can enjoy room massages, daily housekeeping, room service, lanundry and training services. Your weekend will surely be filled to the brim thru lesiure activities such as kayaking, pedal boats, swimming pools, Taal volcano trekking, floating poo and Lake Taal cruise boat.

                              

We left Cavite at around 5:30 in the afternoon and reached the resort at around 8:00 om in time for a very sumptuous buffet dinner prepared by Phoenix Publishing house. While dining, we were treated to a lovely sight of a beach wedding by the pool's terraza. Served during the buffet dinner were Pasta Primadorro, Herbed Tilapia Fillet, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Grilled Liempo Belly and Cesar Salad; for dessert, we had a platter of fresh fruits.

Soon after dinner, we were billeted to our 3-bedroom suit along Sotto Suites. The rooms were brightly lighted complete with a Mediterreanean feel. What I particularly loved was the villa's architecture and design.

After settling in our villa, we explored the property and fell in love with their infinity pool. There are three pools in Balai Isabel but the best is the inifinity pool overlooking the lake. We were told that they only operate until 10:00 pm but our ever accommodating friend from Phoenix Publishing House made some arrangements and we were allowed to use the facility until 12 midnight.

One has to wear swimming attire if you are to use the swimming pool. Too bad that what I brought with me is my two piece and board shorts. Despite asking the lifeguard if he can make some room for a preggo like me, he said that I really need to put my shirt off and swim with my two piece and shorts.

The pools were heated ( I think) but the cool breeze from the lake makes the water really cold. At 12:00 midnight we decided to go back to our room to finally call it a day.

The next morning, I woke up at around 5:00 am and asked my colleague and soon to be kumpare to accompany me so we can explore the resort further and take picture of the sunrise. We walked past the shore to a stunning sunrise over the lake. 

 At 6:30 am, breakfast was served inside the Laurel Hall (exclusive to our group). We were treated to a hearty breakfast buffet consist of Champorado (with Tsokolateng Batangas), Fried Rice, Longganisa, Spanish Omelette and Daing na Biya (which I really really love!) with sukang labo.I fell instantly in love with the daing na biya because of its crunchy texture and unqiue flavor. The dried fish unlike Danggitm is less salty but very crunchy. It works best with the sukang labo of Batangas and fried rice.

We began exploring the resort as soon as we finished breakfast. We headed to visit their wedding chapel, The Spousal Church of Joseph and Mary, went on to shoot some maternity pictures by the Pantalan and headed nack to the inifinity pool by the lake to take more pictures.

Maternity shot by the Pantalan