When the man of the house is away.

aving a man in the house is important for many obvious reasons. They make the house safer, they are the main decision makers, they are disciplinarians and as an added bonus they are the designated plumber, electrician and all around maintenance dude. But what if there's no man in the house? Take for example a family of an overseas worker, who will be in charge of maintaining the house's condition while the man of the house is away? Take for example the business of plumbing; my comfort room has many plumbing problems. The sink's pipes are due for cleaning and the bowl's too. I never got around to doing it because I simply don't know how and I don't have the heart to ask Dad because he is too busy with many other things to be bothered. Although the comfort room is still usable so I don't see the immediate need to have them fixed right now but if I do get the time maybe I'd hire someone like the San Antonio Plumber for they are known for their excellent work. We can't scrimp on house maintenance because we live in our home for most of our time and it is valuable that we are comfortable. I've also read good reviews about Charlotte Plumber where they offer cost-effective service for commercial plumbing, sewer, or drain problem.

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Last Weeks Manic Monday # 173

Do you usually wear perfume/cologne? If so, what's your current favorite?
::: For perfume I use Clinique Happy Heart and for my everyday cologne, I would use baby cologne or Body Shop's White Musk. :::

What's the last book you've read that you thought was really good? If you don't have one, what looks promising on your to-be-read list?
::: I have been reading a lot of romance novels lately, but nothing REALLY GOOD to share, although I plan to re-read the book Angels and Demons - I've read that years ago and I remember it was good but now I've forgotten the story completely! :::

Fill in the blank: I wouldn't be caught dead
::: .....wearing granny panties.. :::

Join us HERE.

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2nd Baby Shower

Just read about an online friend's baby shower and was I ever jealous. It looked so fun. I remember my very own baby shower for my first baby. It was held here at home and we played a few games like pass the pacifier and charades. After we had opening of gifts - which was my fave! My sister was talking to me about throwing another party for baby #2 on August, a month before my expected due date. Good thing there's websites that offer baby shower invites and even planning tips. Me and my sister can go through it and get some new ideas for games and activities for the party. We were planning on throwing it in a restaurant's function room or something. The last time it was held here at home and it was a bit crowded. Besides, its easier and cleaning up after the party won't be our problem anymore. I can't wait, 90 or less more days to go before baby#2!

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Pregnant Women & Acne

I am one of those lucky few who never had a problem with acne growing up. I had a few here and there in high school but not enough to cause me problems unlike some of my classmates. However, right now - I am breaking out. I didn't know pregnant women were prone to acne! Oh well, I should have guessed seeing how out of whack our hormones are during this time. I consider myself lucky still because I don't have the acne all over my body. Although its on my face, cheeks mostly I have just ignored it. Its annoying however whenever someone comments on it. They have been used to me not having acne that a few zits can cause for some to comment.

I don't have any special creams though - I will just wash and cleanse my face like the usual. However, here are a few natural remedies for pregnant women. Just wanted to share:

From http://pregnancy.families.com

Fortunately, you can treat acne with remedies made at home. Lemon juice, an egg mask and garlic are believed to help acne. To make an egg mask, beat an egg in a small bowl. Use the whites for oily skin and the yolk for dry or sensitive skin. If you have combination skin, use the entire egg. Spread the mixture on your face and allow it to dry. Wash off the egg with cleanser.

The first step to preventing acne is to keep the skin clean. If your skin gets oiler during pregnancy, wash it with a gentle facial wash that is made for oily skin. You may need to wash your face three times, rather than twice each day. This will help prevent the oils from clogging the pores.

Diet and exercise benefit the skin. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. The benefits of exercise for pregnant women are well known. Now we can add another benefit to the long list. Regular exercise helps increase circulation throughout the body, including to your skin. This helps keep the skin healthy and glowing.

Increase circulation and keep your body well hydrated to help heal and prevent acne. Water improves circulation, which will help flush toxins from the skin. Drinking water is important for you, the baby and the production of amniotic fluid. The benefits to your skin are a bonus.

Hope they help!

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Halili Files Malpractice

The reason I am afraid to go under the knife, like most women is that they are afraid of any botched procedure. We hear a lot about Doctors who practice medicine or surgery who turn out to be under qualified. Heck, even Dra. Belo's ex-Dr. BF turned controversial actor Dr, Hayden Kho is being sued right now for malpractice, on top of everything else by Katrina Halili for doing a procedure on her, liposuction -without the 4 year residency training for cosmetic surgery. I hope Ms. Halili gets a good malpractice attorney so that she gets the justice that she deserves like those Rochester medical malpractice attorney; as a patient we put our 100% trust in our doctors and its only fair that they give us the service we paid for. Dr. Kho is in a lot of hot water right now for his many leaked videos online. Gosh, even the Philippines Medical field is full of scandal and gossip.

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Baby#2 Update: Week 26

At 26-weeks; I have more or less 11 weeks to go. This is assuming I give birth at 37-week gestation just like in my first pregnancy. If not then I have a 96-day wait ahead of me or around 14 weeks more. So what's new with me? Nothing new to share except that I am so much feeling heavier lately. I am now 109lbs with a tummy circumference of 35". I am already watching what I eat, something I should have done from the start, because I feel like my extremities are getting fat. I am consciously trying to walk around and also drink my Anmum diligently as opposed to like once a week maybe? Although I do drink my multi-vitamins daily and take fruits as much as possible I feel that's not enough.

Info from Baby Center:

See the big picture

How your baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
Additional information from Pregnancy Hut:
The baby’s eyelids were shut for the past month. During the 26th week of pregnancy, baby will start opening and blinking his eyes. The development of baby’s eyes is nearly completed by now. The eye color of all babies in mother’s womb is blue and will change later in life. Some babies are born with a darker shade of blue and others are born with a lighter blue shade. The baby will now start putting on fat layers till the time of birth. Presently the baby is still lean. The baby during 26 weeks pregnant stage resembles a normal baby. The main fetal developments that take place now are that the baby develops good sense of touch and begins responding to touch. The baby’s heart has started pumping blood. The lungs start developing blood vessels.

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As for me, I've been peeing a lot, there's still the round ligament pain and sometimes leg cramps. The weight gain has been a downer. I've been feeling moody lately too. The baby has been really active and is usually awake and moving a few minutes before mealtime and by 10PM. It's a bit sad when the baby's legs or maybe arm pokes about causing a huge visible bump on my tummy and I don't have the hubby by my side to share the amazing experience. At least Kuya Ozzy is there who gladly kisses my tummy and talks to his little brother.

Next week I'll post pictures of me, myself @ 7 months. So watch out for that.

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Chikka Time With Fellow Wives

Chikka, a local slang meaning to talk endlessly with someone with anything is a favorite past time of women. Generally, women talk more than men because we want to let our sentiments out there rather than bottle it up. When I have become a wife and mother I found it hard to find someone to really share my feelings to. Most of my friends are still single and I don't feel comfortable talking to my mom about certain stuff sometimes. Good thing I have found real friends online through blogging and some forums and even networking sites. I have even found out about wife chat and signed up for it. To my delight conversations with fellow wives and new moms like me have been pleasant and very informative. Not only do we give each other tips and insights, we have become real friends even though we have not even met in person. But in this day and age, meeting in person to become called a "true friend and confidante" is bogus. One can become a real friend even if your relationship is virtual and I am glad because I've met the most fascinating and real people virtually.

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Take 5!

Snagged this meme here.

List…

5 things you’ve read recently.

• A Novel entitled "The Duke"
• Requirements for our BOC Application
• Terms & Conditions of one Multiply Sellers Website.
• A book entitled "Donald Cries Wolf" (Donad Kays Wof) as requested by Ozzy
• Sea Life Picturepedia as requested still by the little boy.
  

5 sites you’ve signed up for.

• Facebook - add me up!! :)
  
• Multiply
  
• Blogger
  
• Blogitive - looking for some moolah.
  
• Sponsored Reviews - still looking.
  

5 shows you’ve watched lately.

• Entourage
• Penguins of Madagascar - Oz loves this.
• Everybody Loves Raymond reruns.
• Whose Line Is It Anyway reruns
  
• Monk
  

5 things you want right now.

• For the rain to stop.
• A new cellphone.
• A new laptop. *coming soon*
• DSLR
• Hair Extensions!!! - I want longer hair w/o having to wait. haha.
  

5 things on your grocery list.

• Shampoo & Conditioner
  
• Ozzy's Milk
• Jergens Ultra-Healing Lotion
• Chuckie - Oz's personal request.
• Fruits
  

What's your list?

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In Need of Professional Eye

Planning of purchasing a pre-owned house and lot? Well if the answer to that question is a yes then congratulations. I've been dreaming of my very own house since I had a family and if money was not an hindrance we would have had one a long time. However, when has money never been an issue especially with real estate investment right? There are a lot of things to consider when buying a prospective house. This will be your family's home if you think about it so it is just logical to make sure everything is in order. If you ask me, the common homeowners eye may not see the hidden plumbing problems, the goofed up electrical wiring and some roofing dilemma so make sure to employ a professional. Like those dudes from Baltimore Home Inspection. I read they specialize in Home Inspections, Radon Inspections and Mold Inspections.

When I do have my own house; I'd want it to have a big kitchen and lawn. I've come to realize our family hangs out in the kitchen more so it is practical to have a big, nice kitchen with a bar counter. Also, a big lawn is essential because I know my 2 boys will enjoy running around outside. I just pray and hope all our plans and dreams follow through.

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What A Scare

I've always been the girl who tripped/fell/slid. I've been clumsy when I was not pregnant so imagine that clumsiness has doubled now because I have difficulty in walking (or even seeing my feet!). However I've always been extra careful lately because I know my child's safety is very important. Anyway, last Saturday while going down the stairs to enter the groceries, my right foot didn't quite fall in the middle part of the step - but on the edge and it slipped. Good thing I was holding on to the sides so my right foot just slid for about 3-4 flights of steps...it happened so quickly and I was able to regain my composure before anyone could notice. Nothing bad happened - thank God! but I was terrified. Imagine what could have happened if I was not holding on to the railing??? I shudder just thinking about it.

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Free Chat

Who says you can't have fun when you are disabled? There are tons of activities that can still be done; its a matter of will power and love of life. Living life to the fullest is a choice. Anyone can chose to be happy even when faced with adversities. Good thing I stumbled upon a new site which offers disabled chat where people from all over the world with disabilities can share thoughts, random ideas and make friends. With the click of the mouse and help of technology all these is possible now for the modern man. You don't have to leave the comforts of your house to mingle and make new friends. I, for one is thankful for technology and Internet because I got to meet a lot of new people and I got to learn a lot without going out of the house. I work at home you see, so any interaction I have with the outside world is done with the help of Internet.

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Friday Fill-Ins # 129

Since I'm recovering from surgery today, this week's questions are from Tamy at 3sidesofcrazy; thanks, Tamy!And...here we go!

And...here we go!

1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting them to make mistakes like you once did.

2. Show me a good loser and I will show you a someone who will value success.

3. Finshing that chocolate cake all by myself is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time.

4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy trying to leave the said country and we're left with the corrupt officials.

5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine career and family.

6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without salt to taste or pepper in it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to meeting up with a friend and doing some errands, tomorrow my plans include going to Ozzy's class & buying a Father's day gift and Sunday, I want to rest!

p.s. Have a fast recovery Janet ♥

Join us here!

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Planning An Upgrade?

Planning for a house-lift? Then good for you; every few years or so our house, no matter how we take care of it - would eventually need a few retouch work done here and there due to natural wear and tear or weather wear. There's roof work, window's need changing and floor boards need fixing. Aside from that, upgrading the kitchen or comfort rooms for example will give great returns if and when you decide to resell the house.

With the current economic slump homeowners find it better to remodel their house as opposed to moving. After establishing the need for work done, a home owner would naturally look for a good remodeling contractor as the next step. There a lot out there to chose from and trust that Denver remodeling Contractor can do the job for you. The beauty of Denver Contractors is that they help their clients plan the budget. This for me is an important part of the job. It is vital that at the beginning your contractor knows and understands the family's capacity to pay.

Who says remodelling a house is a stressful thing? It may not be with the right contractor. I remember when we upgraded some parts of our own house a few years back to accomodate a 3rd floor office, it went smoothly because we were in synch with our contractors with the budget and vision. That's the key I believe.

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Baby#2 Update: Week 25

I am now in the third trimester of pregnancy and the uterus is now the size of a soccer ball. In some sites or books, I won't be entering my 3rd trimester until my 28th week. I wonder why there's a discrepancy...Anyway I've been feeling okay. Despite the cramps I experience in the mornings, I am generally fine. Although I can't move as gracefully anymore and waddle when I walk, its okay. I still feel great. Entering my 3rd trimester means the baby is coming soon. I really can't wait.

Baby’s Development (from Pregnancy Hut)

• The growth is relatively slow and more regular in this pregnancy stage and the size of the fetus is about 32 cm with the weight around 750 g. The bones begin to harden in this stage and you can notice the baby sucking its thumb.
  
• The skin gains more vernix which is a coating that protects the baby from the acidity of the amniotic fluid and helps to maintain the body temperature after birth. In this week the baby acquires an important function which is he/she can cry and reaches a milestone of surviving if born prematurely at this stage.
  
• The skin is thin and delicate but the body is gaining weight and taking more space in your uterus. The baby’s taste buds are developing and the baby might be able to tell the difference between a sweet and salty or sour taste.
  
• The baby has fully formed fingers and toe nails and its eyes should open at any time.
  
• The brain keeps growing rapidly now. The baby who now has a well proportioned body starts putting on baby fat. The skin begins to smoothen out and lose its wrinkled texture.

I am 108 lbs and my tummy's circumference is still 34". According to Baby Center's weight gain estimator
I am still within the average range of weight gain. Keeping it up is the problem since I've been craving for sweets lately. My next checkup won't be until the end of this month and I wonder if my OB will require me to take the glucose screening test. Most healthcare practitioners routinely recommend a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy.

I hope not.

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Fishing anyone?

When we went to San Remigio some weekends ago, I was disappointed that I was not able to try fishing. Ozzy wanted to go swimming in the pool all the time so and I had no choice of course but to be with him since he always wants me anywhere. Gosh. My mother was the one who had a catch! While waiting for a bite, she used the quiet time to pray her daily rosary! Then voila...a bite! Too bad that bad kitty got away with my mom's lone catch. It would have been our dinner.

I think fishing can be fun, I don't think I am patient enough for the sport though but it would have been nice to have at least tried it. I'm even thinking of joining a fishing chat and see if there are tips out there for newbies like me.

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Manic Monday #172

Even though I am a day late. Lemme just indulge and answer this Meme.

What is the last song that was stuck in your head and how did you get rid of it?
::: Mickey Mouse's The HOTDOG Song. My son loves listening to it and he can play the song at 20x a day :::

If you had to say what one thing in your life best represents your freedom, what would it be?
::: Blogging. It's something I do when I am alone in my thoughts. I cannot complete a post when there are lots of people around or if someone is hovering over my shoulder. Blogging is something mine and no one can take away from me. :::

If you were invited to the White House for dinner tonight, what would you wear from your current wardrobe?
::: Oh Gosh, I am so tempted to say none and buy something NEW. But then again I am pregnant and I don't have a gown/long dress that would fit so I would BUY A NEW ONE; a nice deep purple color, long dress, strapless that accentuates my shoulder (part of me that's not fat yet) then I'll pull my hair up. :::

Join us!!

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Trying To Be Domesticated

The long weekend was great. Just what I needed after the tiresome weekend we had the week before. I was able to catch up on my reading and much needed sleep. I have even managed to insert some dinner and singing with great friends last Friday. On Saturday I was able to go to a different mall (which I rarely go to because its too far ) and checked out their sales! They had 50% off on many household items and I scoured the place for cheap finds. I was able to buy linens at a very friendly price and I was also able to get frames at an affordable price. Obviously, I am being domesticated here. I used to go to the malls and buy shoes and clothes only - now I hang out in the household department and I actually enjoy it.

My little project right now is to finally frame those pictures that I have recently printed of my pregnancy, some scraps that I did, Ozzy pictures and family pictures and then have them all framed and hanged on the bedroom wall. I've been meaning to do this since eternity but what's stopping me is the fact that after printing and framing I still have to hang them on the wall. I plan to hang it on the concrete wall of our bedroom which is so bare right now - that means I have to use some power tools; an electric drill, hammer or something to get the job done. The good news is that my dad has these stuff lying around the house and I have easy access to all of them the bad news is that I don't have the idea how to operate such things. I fumble about using an ordinary hammer - can you imagine how I can go about using these fancy drills ??? I pity the wall really. Good thing I don't have to handle saws because they look too dangerous! After these frames and stuff I want to work on a different project but I don't know what. Maybe work on my knitting - yes I know how to knit! I actually made a blanket for Ozzy before...maybe I can try making a cute cap or something for baby#2? What do you think? Am I domesticated enough now?

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Friday Fill-Ins # 128

And...here we go!

1. I grew up thinking I'd never ever have children.

2. Facebook was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don't you flush the toilet after using!!?

4. A good book helps me relax.

5. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

6. Bad odor and poor hygeine is very off-putting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner & singing with friends, tomorrow my plans include going with Oz to class and Sunday, I want to rest!

Join Us Here!

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In Need of Credit and debt consolidation?

Well if you are then good thing you peeked in here for I have some information on debt consolidation loans and Debt Management. At first I didn't know anything about debt consolidation and if there was such a thing. I remember hearing the term first used on Oprah when they were tackling the issue of credit card debts incurred by shopaholic ladies across America. If you must know, in my own words, debt consolidation is the practice of pooling together credit card debt, loans and other liabilities the person applying may have and then combining them into one big amount. A debt consolidator would merge all of the money owed, take a single loan then pay off the debt as a whole. The beauty of this setup is that usually this is at a lower negotiated interest rate to help the debtor out. This is beneficial to all because the creditors get assured of getting paid and the debtor pays his debts.

As of now I don't have need for a loan to pay off my debts. I don't plan on incurring so much debt anyway. I have friends and acquaintances who need to get a loan because of a lot of payable - for their luxuries and such. That is why I always believe in the saying "Don't spend what you have not earned."

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Some Of My Pet Peeves

Don't you just HATE some of the things people do or say? I do. Here are some of my annoyances.

Don't you just hate it when you ask for suggestions where to eat - no one answers and if you suggest a place they complain and don't supply an alternative?
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Movies and why they are too long. I don't watch movies much because I have such short attention span I get bored mid way.
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When I am annoyed with someone whose stubborn, I will chose to ignore that someone completely for days even months.

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People who complain a lot and don't do anything about it productive about the situation.
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Tangled phone cord.

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People who don't say "bye" when hanging up the phone.
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People who ask you who you are when clearly they are the one's calling.

I have so much more...but these are the things I am annoyed with right now. I'll constantly update this list though...

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Basic Baby Beeds and Layette

Since I already have most of the items from my first baby, I just want to run a checklist of the items that I might still need to buy for the second one. Good thing were having another boy - that means there will be no problems with the color palette.

The items listed below are minimum requirements, you can opt to add more if you feel like you need it or take away a few things already there (like what I'm doing) hehe

Layette:

• 4-6 undershirts, size 3 to 6 months. Check!
  
• 4-6 sleeping gowns, size 3 to 6 months.
  
• 4-6 onesies or rompers
  
• 4-6 footed sleepers, size 3 to 6 months. (my 1st hated these so I won't get for the 2nd)
• 4-6 receiving blankets. - will need to buy 3 more.
• 4-6 hooded towels. Check!
• 4-6 baby washcloths. Check!
• 4-6 pairs of socks. Check!
• 1-2 hats
• A dozen cloth diapers (if you are using cloth diapers you will need at least 2-4 dozen). Check!
• A going home outfit, size 3 to 6 months.
  
• One large box of newborn size diapers (You may want to stock up, if you find a good sale. Don't buy more than 3 large boxes, you may have yourself a large baby and not be able to use all of them)
  
• Baby Wipes - easier when changing nappies.
  
• 12 baby bottles with nipples and collars (at least 6 if breastfeeding).
• Big bottle of baby wash.
  
• One large bottle of baby lotion.
• One large bottle of baby oil.
• A container of cornstarch (much better and cheaper than commercial baby powder). - I use Pigeon baby powder, for some reason any other brand makes my baby's skin break out into rashes.
• One tube of zinc oxide for diaper rash. - I recommend using Petroleum Jelly for this and place it after every diaper change. My son never had problems with diaper rash.
• You will also need a crib or bassinette with at least two to four crib or bassinette sheets, a crib bumper, and two to three crib blankets. - have this already. But I need to buy crib bumper.
• You may want to consider adding a dust ruffle and some waterproof pads for the crib. These are not necessary at first, but you will need them later.
• Nail Clipper Check!
  
• Thermometer Check!
• Nasal Suction Check!

Make sure not to buy newborn size clothes as you may have a large baby and not be able to use them. Most clothes sized 3 to 6 months will fit a newborn loosely but will still look nice.

Here are some other nice to have items that you may want to consider purchasing:

• A portable crib or playpen is wonderful for taking with you to friends homes or to the park or even out in the backyard. Baby can sleep while you do some gardening or visit with friends. - not really necessary in my case.
• Extra nipples for your baby bottles. This is an absolute must have nipples will get sticky and become unusable after a while. Besides it's nice to have a few on hand while sterilizing the others. - yah nipples are important. You have to change them after a few months.
• A bottle warmer. You may use a microwave but it's much safer to use a bottle warmer and if you buy a portable one then you can use it for trips. - I just dip the bottle in a glass of hot water. It works too.
• Two to three pacifiers. While you may not want to use them, they are a wonder for soothing a newborn. You can always take them out of the baby's mouth once they are calm. - never had to use this; besides its harder to get them out of the habit.
• A bath to wash the baby. These are much more convenient for a newborn than leaning over a bathtub or using a sink. Check!
• An umbrella stroller, this is much more convenient than some of the bigger stroller. Check!

All I can say is that its up to you. Instincts would tell you what you need and what you don't need. Enjoy the shopping.

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Information is Key

I bet when I mention the term mesothelioma many of you scratch your head and say, what's that? Don't worry, I was like that too until I stumbled upon a great site with mesothelioma data, stats and info. Mesothelioma is fairly rare form of cancer but a very serious disease nonetheless which is caused by asbestos. We all know asbestos is commonly used for heat and sound insulation, roofing and flooring. These include roofing materials, floor tiles, furnaces and furnace doors, cements and even toasters and many other heat-related household items. If you are concerned that you have this disease, it is important to have yourself checked. Symptoms of mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and the symptoms are not very different from those associated with other health problems. That's why in my opinion, a yearly physical examination is important and should be prioritized by each and everyone especially if you're past 50.

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A Contest by Yen

So, here`s her not so problematic mechanics;

+ Just comment in any of my post from April 25 to May 31 posts. Make sure you don`t make spam comments because I will be very sad with that..LOL And I have a right to erase them if they aren`t related to the post.

+ Be the Top 15 commentators and you will have a chance to win something! I will use a Randomizer to pick for the Top 3 winners! So, you don`t have to be Top 1 or 2 or 3 in the commentator as long as you belong in Top 15, you will have a chance to win something since I will use a randomizer!

+ The Prizes?
* First Prize- $20 Cash Through Paypal or if you want it Western Union(Valid Only for the Philippine bloggers)
* A Fashion bracelet.
* A Questions and Answers Post that will be posted in my site. With links to the winners site/s.

*Second Prize- $15 Cash Through Paypal or if you want it Western Union(Valid Only for the Philippine bloggers)
* A Fashion bracelet.

*Third Prize- $10 Cash Through Paypal or if you want it Western Union(Valid Only for the Philippine bloggers)

+ Lastly, in order to be eligible to join. I`d love if you can post something about this contest in your blog. Linking to this post/site.

That`s it!!! Join us!

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Cutie Baby Stuff and Crib Bedding

My attention was caught with these cutie little clothing and baby stuff from Dada Baby Boutique. Usually I am not an online shopper - I prefer going to the malls and manually look for my kids stuff. There's something about tangible objects and holding on to shopping bags - its a rush. However, lately I have this sudden shift in shopping preferences. The rush of buying something in the mall is still there but with the toddler and a baby on the way - going out of the house, driving to mall and braving the stores with the other shoppers (plus the fear of the swine flu) is not as appealing as sitting at in front of your pc and doing the shopping in the comforts of you own home. See this chic Kalyn Bowler Diaper Bag from caden lane? I love it. It's totally my style.

I've mentioned a couple of posts back how I scored a very practical and affordable pack and play playpen for my baby#2; now I am in a look out for comfortable boy crib bedding for him. There's so much to choose from actually. I think I'd get 2 only. I mean how many could I need right?

The Alex Crib Bedding Set from maddie boo looks like a nice option for my baby boy. It comes with a bumper, sheet and a skirt. It can actually be for a baby boy or girl. I like the pastel color, its calming. The site offers free shipping but 4-6 weeks delivery though. I wish there are more options available locally though. I don't have much confidence in our Postal System - I was once sent a bracelet by a friend and it has been months and still no sign of it. Tsk. Tsk. Anyway, there's so much more stuff from Dada Baby Boutique from bedding's, blankets, bibs, toys, moses baskets and even eco-friendly products. It's worth the click.

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Weekend In Manila

I have been talking a lot about our Manila Trip here and everywhere in all my blogs so let me tell you what exactly we did there for our 3 day/2 night stay.

To sum it up: Malling and food trip. We just went around Greenbelt and Trinoma actually. Greenbelt was located just in front of our hotel so we stayed most of the time there. On Sunday we rode the MRT to Trinoma in QC to try something different. Also to try the MRT because we don't have that here in Cebu and Dad thought it would be fun for Oz to try it. Indeed it was all he remembered from the trip. The airplane, train and carabao. Imagine that?

Mostly I just the remember the pain. Pain in my feet from all the walking! Gosh their malls are huge I almost always get lost. There are SO many choices as compared to the malls here that I ended up empty handed. There were too much I could not decide so I just bought toys, clothes and pajamas for the boy. I wanted to buy shoes and dresses but I figured it would not fit into my luggage anymore. We also ate in places that are not here in Cebu like Tokyo-Tokyo, Krispy Kreme and Taco Bell. We were supposed to try Italiani's and meet up with my aunt and cousins but my brother, sister, me and Oz fell asleep and woke up at 830PM - too late and tired to go out again. 3 days and 2 nights is so short a time to fully enjoy Manila. Hopefully the next time we go we can stay longer, maybe a week and by then I can finally shop.

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A Healthy Mix

I always feel lucky whenever someone compliments me on my weight especially now at 24 weeks, the last week of my second trimester, when I feel really heavy. I never did anything unusual, I guess its just pure luck that I do not get too big when pregnant. It also helps that I have a toddler that keeps me busy and mobile. Not to mention he still thinks he's a baby that he "begs" for me to carry to him at times. When we went to Manila last weekend he would not allow anyone else but me to push his carrier. Imagine that? No wonder I was not able to shop for myself. Too bad.

I sure hope I can go back to my pre-pregnancy weight. If not, good thing there are options out there like diet pills that work. Yes, they actually work. Many have tried and attested to that fact. As long as you choose a pill that has great reviews. This is good news to everyone who has problems with keeping the weight off. Of course, a lifestyle change, healthy diet and exercise should also be part of the mix.

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Girls BFF

What!? Iphone 3G for $99 you have GOT to be kidding me! I am guessing this promo is only for line users in the US, because it sounds too good to be true. I was THIS close to asking hubby to buy one for me. He was laughing and was making me choose over an SLR or an iPhone. Of course that was a tough call. I almost said NO because I was eying this wonderfully fabulous necklace I found in Bella True. You know how girls are with diamonds..their our best friends. Right ladies? That's aside from designer bags, shoes and clothes of course...but that's a different story. This one is not exactly diamonds but its a silver sterling chain and its perfect for many of my pendants lying around waiting to be used. Of course I can always buy the necklace for myself and let him buy the SLR or iPhone for me..mmmm...

Hey, we have our needs. Especially if we feel fat, ugly and bloated. I have to still look pretty despite the expanding waistline.

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Baby#2 Update: Week 24

I am now on the LAST week of my second trimester. In a few weeks, I know I won't be as mobile anymore. Although I am super happy that the end is near and that I will see the baby pretty soon enough third trimester scares me too. Mixed emotions and feeling of uncertainty. I am now 107 lbs and that my tummy circumference is still 34".

Baby’s Development (from Pregnancy Hut)

The baby is growing rapidly now and is 11 inches long with a weight of 1.25 to 1.5 pounds. The baby’s brain is developing rapidly during this period and so are the lungs and the taste buds. The main lungs are developing branches as well as special cells that produce surfactant needed to inflate the air sacs. Babies who are born prematurely have difficulty breathing as these cells have not had sufficient time to develop or produce enough surfactant. The baby will continue gaining muscle weight and deposit of brown fat on the skin which will help the baby later to retain body heat. Babies born in this period might have disabilities and would require long-term intensive care as they have difficulty regulating body temperature as well as coping with their breathing due to immature development of the lungs. The baby will not be affected by the Braxton Hicks contractions that you might experience at this stage. The baby’s face is complete now with the features well developed and in the right place though the eyes are still shut. Hair will continue to grow on the head and the eyelashes are well formed. The baby is now just a thinner version of how he would look when born. The baby will start gaining more weight in the next three months. The baby starts practicing breathing by inhaling the amniotic fluid into the developing lungs.

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My other symptoms include round ligament pain that increases everyday! Gosh its so painful whenever I sit up from sitting or sleeping. I was lucky enough not to have experienced this in my first pregnancy. Also, no wonder I have runny nose all the time; its because of the swelling of the mucous membranes as more blood tends to rush there, this can be reduced by using saline drops to remove the stuffiness in your nose.

Next week I'll be entering my Third Trimester. Woohoo.

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Announce with Photos

I should get around to it but I always end up not having time to do it. Photo printing and framing that is. I have a lot of nice shots from my Canon 80IS whose just waiting to be printed and properly framed. That's the thing with digital technology. Sometimes we forget and take for granted the beauty of framed pictures. Oz has a lot of pictures that are frame worthy that are just in my hard drive right now waiting to be shown off (some more!) as if it has not gotten its share of audience from the my networking sites!

Anyway, for baby boy#2 I was thinking of having one of those cute photo birth announcements to tell the world of the arrival of the second baby. I looked around the website and there were so many to choose from I cannot decide just yet which one is perfect. I like this one here posted on the right titled "The Cade" Photo Baby Announcement. Its chic and simple just the way I like it.

I wonder though how long it would take if they ship to the Philippines? Maybe I can also order as early as now some nice holiday photo cards. once Hubby comes home from Norway I would definitely fix a date for us to have our family portrait shot. Then I would frame it and put it all over the room. That way our babies would be able to see their daddy everyday.

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10 Favorite Things to do During “Me” time

On the rare and very much savored "Me" Time I prefer to:

1. Watch television or movies.
2. Read a good book.
3. Go to the salon, have my hair done, manicure, pedicure or foot scrub. Heaven!
4. Get a facial.
5. Shop...(this would entail me time and moolah though)
6. Window Shop.
   
7. Have coffee with friends and just talk endlessly.
8. Sleep!
9. Clean/organize the room...(I kind of find cleaning relaxing in a weird way)
10. Blog.

Join us!

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