Dehdhie and a lot more!

"Akala mo nauuto ka ng anak mo, pero actually ikaw ang nauuto niya" - my friend said. Funny but true, actually mas nauuto niya ang Lolo at Lola niya. I'm trying to train him na if NO, NO talaga, na not all things that he wants to play ay pwede, na hindi lahat ng gusto niya pwede. Yeah I'm sounding like a monster mommy teacher na. There are times that baby D is crying because I'm telling him that my mobile phone is not a toy, then the Lolo will walk into our room to the rescue, always. Hay... my little spoiled baby boy. And actually minsan, sumusuko din ako when he starts wailing and coughing because of arte-iyak he's making, nakakaguilty din. Well, maybe he's not yet ready for that kind of discipline, I will read more on that. 

Moreover, I'm loving that he's having his security object na. For a long time kasi I feel like me, or should I say "the dede" is his comforter, ung tipong the whole day and night whenever I'm around nakadikit sa akin yan, when he's afraid, when he wants to rest, etc. sa akin siya didikit, so wala akong ibang magawa and I really miss having my own body mine lang haha. Good thing Dehdhie (Teddy) is there na. I don't know how they became close, how everything happened (hay the working mommy in me is feeling sad again). We had Dehdhie as a christmas gift from his nong-nong (ninong) and before hate pa niya yan, ngaun they're inseperable.

Baby D watching TV while playing with dehdhie. 

-When you ask him, D where's Teddy? He will stand up and will look for it, and will shout dehdhie! (like he's saying I found you!), then he'll kiss and hug teddy. hay hangkyut lang. 

-While we are eating dinner, as usual tapos na kumain si baby D dahil sobrang likot niya, but si teddy gusto din niya pakainin. haha he kept on putting teddy sa upuan ng Lolo niya, as in inaayos niya pa na nakaupo. It's so funny that his Lolo kept on putting teddy sa floor, but baby D is so insistent to sit teddy sa chair. Kanino kaya nagmana sa tigas ng ulo yang bata na yan? lol

-baby D will not kiss me until pinilit ko siya, but if si teddy? palagi niya kinikiss. 

-Kailangan sakay niya si teddy kapag sasakay siya sa car niya. Actually hirap siya na pagkasyahin silang dalawa. (Note to daddy R: you need to buy D a new and bigger car! hahaha )

-Whenever I'm attempting to put him to sleep without dede, kailangan si teddy ang katabi niya. 

-One night while the lights and tv are off, and nagpapatulog kami and breastfeeding him, as usual kayakap niya si teddy, and to my amuzement, he stopped nursing and let teddy to nurse with me. Naloka ako. But I'm happy that he is now willing to share. Masungit yang bata na yan e.

-One morning, because I slept at 2am na I woke-up to a playing baby D and dehdhie in bed. D is talking to teddy as if they're into a deep conversation. 

-After we woke-up from our afternoon nap, his Lola went to our room, kaso nung pagpasok niya nalaglag ung bote ng alcohol, baby D said: "hallla!" haha lagot daw si Lola. 

Kids really grow fast no? hay... If only all my daydreams of being a stay-at-home will come true. So I can really focus to baby D. Sobrang bilis niya lang kasi lumaki and he's discovering a lot nowadays, I'm missing a lot. I envy those moms that can stay and work at home. Well, sabi nga nila you have to be happy on what you have. So I just make the most of the time at home to play and teach baby D. Let's update daddy R?! 

- He loves the minions! whenever he sees our tab, he will say "ba ba ba ba" or the banana song of minions

- Recently, he's into water dispenser! nakakaloka at yung hot pa ang gusto pindutin? at yun na nga napaso na siya. tsk! pero mama said, he learned hsi lesson na, hindi na siya lumalapit sa water dispenser namin. 

- He loved being kissed sa kanyang cloc cloc "pototoy!"

- Loves to play "saw-saw suka mahuli taya!" haha at alam na niya panu manghuli ng kamay ko!

- Whenever he see water, immediately "mamam" yun!

-He loves running! parang ibon na nakawala sa hawla nung umuwi kami sa bukid. I also love that he's not timid na, nakikihalubilo na, pero may konting stranger anxiety pa din. 

- He's the master gaya-gaya! lahat nalang alam niya gayahin. 

-He loves flowers, and kiss anything except me (sad face!), well sometimes out of nowhere biglang nalang ako ikikiss, aw! sweet din!

-He recognizes that the sound of skype means he will see daddy r!

- While he's driving and playing with his car, maglalagay pa yan ng mats sa floor at duon siya dadaan, mama said: "kasi gusto niya rough road!" haha 

- He's now learning how to do distance shoot ng bola, hindi na dunk. And mind you, may whole court na siya sa bahay as in 2 rings na magkatapat, and after magshhoot sa kabila, lilipat ulet sa isa. (pakana ng lolo niya). 

- Last night, I'm training him to say jolibbee when asked "saan tayo pupunta?", but no ayaw makicooperate. "daddy!" pa din at galit pa. 

He's doing a lot of milestones lately,  and I always fail to take pictures. Hay... ang cute kasi na mas gusto ko nalang siya ihug and say verygood instead of getting a cam. Are we mommies like that so mushy? Haha. Hay basta I'm happy that baby D is doing well, thats all I wanna know and his smiles and hugs comforts me inspite of all the things we are facing at present. 

I know, at some point of our lives we need to experience some "rough roads" for us to enjoy the ride. I am just so thankful that I have daddy R with me (at least we now know the art of give and take and compromise, db? db? db R?) lol. Seriously, I have a very cute and happy baby, loving husband and a lot more things to be thankful for. So my thoughts have no more room for some negative vibes. Agree? 

And when when you're at the bottom, there's no way but to go up! 

All is well. 

Baby D: 1 year & 6 months

Baby D is growing so fast! his lolo kept on saying "dati nakahiga lang tayo sa bed, ngaun tumatakbo ka na!" haha so true, and when we complain that he's so malikot, he will say "dati nung hindi pa naglalakad gusto mo palakarin, ngaun naman naglalakad na, nagrereklamo ka kasi tumatakbo na".

He's a handful nowadays, in seconds he's climbing the couch, pulling the chairs, and picking and swallowing everything he likes! yay! kapoy! I'm not complaining though, (slight lang) because this stage also the cutest he will be. I want to enjoy every moment, mabilis lang yan, next thing I know, I am no longer his one and only girl. yikes!

Wanna see how cute our little pattoootie?

We spent last weekend in Baguio, and daddy R is the yaya for the whole day. They went to Burnham Park and walked around the city. I wish I was with them, kaso I have work, father and son had a great time though. R just complains that baby D is so heavy (kahit payatot) siksik kasi. lol!

While waiting for the bus to depart, baby D was looking at the bus stewardess (nagandahan ata), so we asked him to say HI! ayan with matching wave wave pa.. daddy R is so proud haha, may future chickboy na siya. 

I love this photo that R sent to me. (Sorry for the blurry photo, taken via ipod)

I'l cation this as "mother and son selfie" lol

I just love that R loves to take our photo. 

Baby D's latest words: 

Aside from BOLA, DADDY, MOMMY, DEDE, LOLA, LOLO... DEDIH (Teddy), BAH (barney) , 

Me: How old are you d?

D: Tyu (one yun actually) with action of 1 finger yan. 

Me: D lets count.. one... 

D: Tyu

D: reee (three)

D: Fol (four)

Me: Five

While playing basketball...

Us: oh shoot 1, 2 ...

D: Tyiii (three) sabay shoot ng ball sa ring... 

Tita A: Anu bibilhin mo D?

D: Pita, pita pita (haha buy daw siya Fita crackers!)

* Koochie = chuckie lol - and the boy can knock off little chuckie in minutes

* Cahhh = CAR

* Cahhh = CAT , I don't know why bitin lol

* Dhog = DOG

Me: panu iiyak si D? 

D: huhuhu (haha funny alam na magdrama)

Me: panu tatawa si D?

D: hahaha (asar na tawa talaga)

And he loves swimming at the floor and kissing the floor. NAKAKALOKA. I don't know where he learned that!

He LOVES RUNNING!

Currently, he's into spliting, may bukol nga kasi natumba. lol and again, we are in search kanino niya yun ginagaya!

His daddy and lolo is also worried that he might me "bakla", I don't see anything wrong with that. haha

Evidence No. 1: Mahilig siya tumili.. haha 

Evidence No. 2: He loves to wear my shoes.. 

Evidence No. 3: He loves to wear lola's bag and mine too

Evidence No. 4: Tita A gave him flowers.. he loved it ... 

                      When I asked asan na flower? tinapon na daw lolo niya kasi di un bagay sa kanya. haha

They're funny! allergic agad? I kept on telling them he's like a sponge kasi and still exploring at gaya-gaya pa. Aga naman nila magworry. lol

The only thing that alarms me is that his MEGA separation anxiety. I don't know if still normal or he's still adapting. We'll still research on that. 

Osha! I have to continue working with the overflowing papers in my desk. Sana friday na agad bukas. 

Laters!

Breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio City

Last weekend was spent in Baguio City for a work+vacation getaway for the familia E. Since daddy R is based in Baguio for year now, baby D and I didn't missed this chance to spend time with the daddy and the in-laws.. hay the perks of a travelling mommy! yay! (sana lahat ng training ko ay sa Baguio nalang!)

Anyway, R's dream is to take me to Cafe by the Ruins, (I don't know why! lol minsan may pagkaromantic din naman siya). 

Since we are from Naguilian, we arrived early, as in the Cafe was closed pa, they open at 7am. So we just took picture. I love the weather in Baguio that morning... just cold to make you hug your hubby. 

The Entrance.

The Menu. 

Dream come true for my Babe. 

Breads... (Mahalia at first, but they have complimentaries that will make the price worth it naman.)

Free Fresh Fruits. 

Free Fresh Banana Shake for me. 

Free Fresh Mango Shake for R (for me too)

Us. I like the ambiance of the place, relaxing. Nature.  

Cheese/Kesong puti omellete with bread for me. 

Boneless na daing na bagus and Salted Egg with brown rice for R. 

So? Masarap ba? Is it worth it?

AFTER 15 MINUTES..... 

GONE! haha. 

The serving is sumptous, just right for the P600++ bill that we had. Breads and fruits are fresh, just enough to start the day. (I know! I suck doings food reviews... ) 

R is planning to take me there for Lunch and Dinner again, now I know why.. they have great food and  good service. 

Definitely will be back there to shop in their organic bazar again. I bought pack of chia seeds. And I'm loving the benefits. Will blog about that soon. 

 And the familia E is back in Manila again, looking forward to more adventures.. 

Laters!

For Husbands and Boyfriends, (Ahemm.. daddy R)

I stalk several blogs. That is the reason why I started this blog. I love to read and tell stories. Since I discovered about parenting and lifestyle blogs while researching about breastfeeding, It became my daily routine na. I learned a lot from other's blog and I so much relate with their experiences as homemakers. So I started this blog just to document memories and to share stories. 

So when I read about this in my favorite blog, I wanna adapt it. She got it from yahoo and made comments, so I will make mine as well ... (actually si daddy R lang pinapatamaan ko ;-)

It's about keeping the flame alive. Because at the end of the day, amidst being a parent we started as lovers. And we need to keep the fire burning. 

Compliment the wife or the girlfriend.

A simple compliment can go a long way. Being a working mom is so stressful, and sometimes no time na para mag ayos. And it matters kahit once in a while masabihan ka ng "ang ganda mo naman ngaun" or you look nice with your dress today" it lightens the mood, and it brings back the confidence, parang nung nagliligawan lang kayo. 

Do PDA once in a while.

Never underestimate the power of touch. Not naman the teenny weenny type, but nakaka-feel-good kasi when your hubby holds your hands while walking, make akbay while shopping etc. 

Hug the ladies from behind.

I also love this, specially if unexpected. And sweet lang db? Feel na feel mo yung love. 

If she needs to vent out something, listen.

I know we talk too much, but we need to talk to vent out what we feel. So please listen. 

Converse with her.

Nothing beats open communication. So talk. Talk. Talk. 

Make time for her.

Date, Dinner, watch movies etc. Just like when you're teenagers. Promise it will make you feel like teeners again, brings back good memories. 

Out of the blue, touch us.

Yes. Nakakawala ng stress if you have someone to snuggle lalo na kapag malamig. 

Give her gifts once in a while.

Girls are all the same. We need to be spoiled. 

Lastly, practice not to be annoyed at us.

We are just girls. So please understand us. 

Laters!

Whats up with Baby D?

I know! work and school plus the traffic knocked me out this past weeks, as in! Bakit ba naman kasi ambon lang ay baha na at traffic na ano? Hay I'm dreaming tuloy na sana ilang tumbling lang ang work ko sa bahay. And buti nalang I learned the art of patience during these times, pero kakaubos oras at energy pa din. Anyway, will share some of the snapshots of the past weeks na MIA ako. 

baby D and R eating wafers! I love that even madalas wala si R, they can still spend kulitan time. Salamat sa skype. Will treasure moments like this talaga. Sana when baby D grow older, he will understand why sa picture lang niya palagi makikita si R. 

Me: D where's mommy?

D: (will point at me)

Me: D Where's lolo? lola?

D: (will point wherever his lolo and lolo are)

Me: Where's D?

D: (will point at hisself, sa bandang ilong pa lol)

Me: Where's Daddy?

D: (will point at the picture frame at the wall) 

Honestly, it breaks my heart. Baby D is growing so fast and R is missing a lot. But I know in God's time, we will be together as a family. 

Enough of the drama. Here's some positive vibes.

Baby D's first attempt to take a shot of his bling-bling. (Ang ingay ng toy na yan!)

And who says only moms with baby girl can play dress-up? kami din. 

And baby D discovered basketball! ito na ang simula ng career ng anak ko. Un lang, kung dati pagkagising niya ay "mommy" hinahanap niya, ngaun "bola" agad agad. lol

And look at that! Gusto pa niyang magbola e hating gabi na. 

And did I ever said na he's growing so fast? (A million times!) haha ngaun if gusto niya lumabas ng room, isusuot na niya mag isa ang cap niya. Hay... bilis talaga ng panahon. 

Look at the baby pasaway, ewan ko ba at libangan niyang tanggalin lahat ng damit niya sa cabinet. Itulak ang cabinet at couch. And to my surprise, alam na din niya ipunas sa wall ang malinis na mga towels!

This I find so cute. Ang pagkakaroon ng baby number 2 ang under negotiation pa, buti nalang andyan si teddy na playmate niya. (will blog more about teddy and baby D soon!). Ayan at magkasama pa sila manuod ng ulan while inside the laundry bin. And whenever you ask "D where's teddy? hindi naman niya ituturo, kundi susunduin niya nasaan man naiwan si teddy, with matching sounds pa yan! "gahhhha" translate "I found you teddy!"

And as usual, kapag nainip na si baby D, kasama din niyang aalis si dhheddy (teddy). 

Dear baby D, 

I love that you are growing as a malambing baby to mommy, kahit na kinakagat mo mga kamay ko whenever I tell you na "enough dede and no more dede". Big boy ka na kasi anak, (actually tamad na lang magpump si mommy, sorry! pero dont worry as long as you want milk from mommy, ok lang kakayanin pa naman! lol). I love the kisses and hugs you give every morning and at night, nakakawala ng pagod. I also love that you are so pasikat na and lolo, lola and tita are so aliw saiyo. I love that you always call daddy whenever you see my phone and tab (akala mo kasi magsskype kayo ni daddy always). You are learning a lot and so fast! I wish I am always there to witness your milestones. But I know you are smart enough to understand that we are doing this for you. 

I love you to the moon and back anak. And even big boy ka na, you will always be mommy's little baby.

Love, mommy G.

Sweet Travels: Work & Stay at Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Last week (Actually 2nd week of June, gahh! this post was long overdue), I had another opportunity to stay at Sofitel Philippine Plaza for my company's annual national convention. This is my second time to stay here and I must say nothings changed since 2010 until now. Well, aside from the renovation of Spiral (which was devastated by habagat). Nonetheless, it was a great stay. Let the pictures I took tell the story. 

The entrance centerpiece of the hotel never fails to amaze me. I like the simple yet elegant arrangement of white flowers (I don't know what it is). 

And the elecators. 

Sorry I have to capture this. Every guest need to insert their key card to get into their rooms, this give the guests the feeling of security. However, andaming naliligaw at nalilito na guest dito. lol

This is the bedroom of the regular room, triple sharing. 

The bathroom. Yes, no bathtub. 

Ready food. (Kaso may bayad). 

oh I love looking at the sunset! (good thing we had a nice view of the manila bay and the pool area)

And.. they have full stocked ref. 

There is a wedding by the bay, so we also witness the fireworks. (Lakas maka romantic feeling)

While at the lobby, they are dancing pandanggo sa ilaw. 

This is one of the conference rooms where we did our paperworks. 

The pool view. I love that they are very strict not allowing guest to swim during rainfalls and thunderstorms (baka daw kasi mabasa guests lol), no seriously its for the safety of the guests. 

And since swimming is not allowed, we went to their Spa, where use of sauna and jacuzzi are free to use for guests. And and sama talaga ng loob ko because I forgot my swimsuit. But nice the lounge ha? So relaxing. 

The new Spiral. 

The only reason I am excited about Sofitel is their breakfast. PG lang ang peg. They have selections of breakfast from english, japanese, filipino. Breakfast starts at 6:30-10:00 am and since we have a work to do, we went down early as in we are the early bird. 

I love the mini water falls at the center of the dinning area. So relaxing. Great view to start a busy day. 

My first day breakfast. Minipao, Siomai, Ham, Sausage, Fried Rice, Hash Brown and BACON. 

We also had Ham and cheese omellete. 

I love the detals of the cutlery. Shala. (and ang bigat)

I love it that they serve healthy drinks. This is pomelo etc. (sorry forgot the other ingridients). Un lang, it doesn't taste good. Bad combi for me. 

And the best discovery that I had, Blueberry Yogurt, Yum. Yum.

Nah, this is not from Sofitel, but an infamous delicacy from Iloilo. Yum.

 
And this is my second day breakfast. No Rice. 

 

Healthy Fruits for dessert. 

This is view from our veranda. Manila is scary during rainy season. Wahh. 

Washroom Shot. 

I love their public washroom, always clean and well maintained. 

What I really like about Sofitel is that they are breastfeeding friendly. This has been my dilema since I am an extended breastfeeding mother. My job requires me to travel from time to time and storage of my breastmilks are always an issue.

 
Fresh Milk anyone?! I so love my manual precious moments pump because I can express anywhere. For this stay, I just sneaked into our hotel room everytime I need to.

They also have a mini freezer for my milk storage. (I just put the pale pilsen for some humor, but the fridge is roomy). 

My Bfing gadgets.

And after checking out, you can leave the freshmilk at their conceirge. They are trained how to handle breastmilks. Kudos to them. 

Overall, I will give Sofitel 8 stars. Good Food, Good Service (well aside from a waitress na nstress na siguro sa dami ng delegates namin), Good Stay. 

Laters!