Hospital Bag Checklist

I am now in my last stretch of the pregnancy. The anticipation is building and frankly I am a bit impatient already. Anyway, most questions that women ask during the last weeks of the pregnancy is about the labor, how long will it take and how does it feel. As a 2nd time mom, right now I am more concerned too about what things I should bring with me in my Hospital Bag! I didn't fuss over this during my first pregnancy and ended up having to ask my dad/brother/sister so bring stuff over for me after I gave birth because I didn't have an adult diaper for example.

So, What to pack in your hospital bag???

For the Labor Itself you would need:

• Your birth plan and maternity notes. If you have one.
• Slippers
• Socks
• A hairband
• Water
  
• ...I'd say bring your cellphone, some magazines (because labour can last a long time) but check with your hospital first, mine doesn't allow us to bring those so it was such a long boring wait for me he first time.

After Birth:

• Going home outfit
• Nursing Bra
• Nursing Pads
  
• Adult Diapers or Maternity Pads
• Toiletries (i.e Towels, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste.)
• Dressing Gown (I prefer it to be button down for ease in nursing)
  

For the Baby:

• Outfit for the trip home.
• Two or three sleepsuits for baby to wear while you are in hospital.
• Baby Blanket
• Receiving Blanket
• Nappies! (I use ProKids Newborn)
  
• Socks or Booties
• Cap
• Car seat (some hospitals are strict and won't allow you to leave without one; here in the PI it doesn't matter)
  

Some essentials:

• Important papers and such (mine would include SSS/Philhealth forms for my benefit)
• Camera
• Video Camera

Did I forget anything?

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Gothic Chat

Looking for new friends online? Good news for you because there's gothic chat, wherein its 100% Free. You can chat up with many different individuals all over the globe who share the same passion as you. Goth. As for me I am not into Goth though; I actually don't get it. I guess many share my sentiments. However, I believe in the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover." Who knows, if I sign up I will meet moms like me who has stuff in common apart from Goth. In this site, you can meet new Gothic friends, view webcams for free, send/receive IM's, view the profiles of others of course and so much more.

Check it out.

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12 Most Annoying Types of Facebook Users

This is a fun and scarily accurate article I came across with in CNN.COM thought I might as well share it here just for laughs.

1. The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore.

"I'm waking up." "I had Wheaties for breakfast." "I'm bored at work." "I'm stuck in traffic." You're kidding! How fascinating! No moment is too mundane for some people to broadcast unsolicited to the world. Just because you have 432 Facebook friends doesn't mean we all want to know when you're waiting for the bus.

2. The Self-Promoter.

OK, so we've probably all posted at least once about some achievement. And sure, maybe your friends really do want to read the fascinating article you wrote about beet farming. But when almost EVERY update is a link to your blog, your poetry reading, your 10k results or your art show, you sound like a bragger or a self-centered careerist.

3. The Friend-Padder.

The average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site. Schmoozers and social butterflies -- you know, the ones who make lifelong pals on the subway -- might reasonably have 300 or 400. But 1,000 "friends?" Unless you're George Clooney or just won the lottery, no one has that many. That's just showing off.

4. The Town Crier.

"Michael Jackson is dead!!!" You heard it from me first! Me, and the 213,000 other people who all saw it on TMZ. These Matt Drudge wannabes are the reason many of us learn of breaking news not from TV or news sites but from online social networks. In their rush to trumpet the news, these people also spread rumors, half-truths and innuendo. No, Jeff Goldblum did not plunge to his death from a New Zealand cliff.

5. The TMIer.

"Brad is heading to Walgreens to buy something for these pesky hemorrhoids." Boundaries of privacy and decorum don't seem to exist for these too-much-information updaters, who unabashedly offer up details about their sex lives, marital troubles and bodily functions. Thanks for sharing.

6. The Bad Grammarian.

"So sad about Fara Fauset but Im so gladd its friday yippe". Yes, I know the punctuation rules are different in the digital world. And, no, no one likes a spelling-Nazi schoolmarm. But you sound like a moron.

7. The Sympathy-Baiter.

"Barbara is feeling sad today." "Man, am I glad that's over." "Jim could really use some good news about now." Like anglers hunting for fish, these sad sacks cast out their hooks -- baited with vague tales of woe -- in the hopes of landing concerned responses. Genuine bad news is one thing, but these manipulative posts are just pleas for attention.

8. The Lurker.

The Peeping Toms of Facebook, these voyeurs are too cautious, or maybe too lazy, to update their status or write on your wall. But once in a while, you'll be talking to them and they'll mention something you posted, so you know they're on your page, hiding in the shadows. It's just a little creepy.

9. The Crank.

These curmudgeons, like the trolls who spew hate in blog comments, never met something they couldn't complain about. "Carl isn't really that impressed with idiots who don't realize how idiotic they are." [Actual status update.] Keep spreading the love.

10. The Paparazzo.

Ever visit your Facebook page and discover that someone's posted a photo of you from last weekend's party a photo you didn't authorize and haven't even seen? You'd really rather not have to explain to your mom why you were leering like a drunken hyena and French-kissing a bottle of Jagermeister.

11. The Obscurist.

"If not now then when?" "You'll see..." "Grist for the mill." "John is, small world." "Dave thought he was immune, but no. No, he is not." [Actual status updates, all.] Sorry, but you're not being mysterious -- just nonsensical.

12. The Chronic Inviter.

"Support my cause. Sign my petition. Play Mafia Wars with me. Which 'Star Trek' character are you? Here are the 'Top 5 cars I have personally owned.' Here are '25 Things About Me.' Here's a drink. What drink are you? We're related! I took the 'What President Are You?' quiz and found out I'm Millard Fillmore! What president are you?"

...yeah dude you can stop pretending you don't fall in at least 1 category. I know I did. Guilty!!! LOL. Puh-leeze haven't everyone been a lurker once? A chronic inviter? A Paparazzo (well just for laughs), had bouts of bad grammar and mispelled words? Im so gladd its friday yippe! Muahahaha

Now excuse me while I go and post this link on my Facebook page. Xoxo

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In Need of New Lenses?

Found this information online very helpful for those in need of prescriptions glasses but can't afford to have many for the different occasions; so I thought I might as well share it here. One of these days I may be needing a prescription glasses because I find myself squinting more and more as the days go by.

There are actually $ 8 Rx eyeglasses available for everyone! Don't believe me? Just make sure to visit Zenni Optical. My mother told me, that 1 prescription eyeglasses with the frame and glass would typically cost her $100 or more. He eye sight is pretty bad and she can't function well without them. She needs a few pairs around for different occasions and for emergency too. What if her eyeglasses gets broken? How will she function then? Go to her Optometrist blind? Speaking of Optometrists, getting prescription lenses from them would mean a much higher markup. So, "How You Can Start Spending Smart" you ask? You can always get your prescription lenses online you can pay as low as $8 plus shipping. Just make sure you have your correct prescription ready to have the correct grade.

Here are some of My favorite high fashion eyeglasses from Zenni.

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Baby Boy #2 Update: Week 35

Now on my 35th week, the Braxton Hicks contractions are getting really strong. Whoever said that it is a mild discomfort obviously didn't have a uterus. No uterus, no opinion.

I weight 120 lbs and my tummy's circumference is 38". Everything except for the pain all over my body is normal. My blood pressure is okay, my glucose level is fine and my infection has subsided. I only have minor swelling in my feet and angles and my legs cramps have stopped. Since I have experienced lightening earlier on in the pregnancy, my major problem right now is the fact that every time the baby moves my bladder suffers. It's like I need to pee a whole lot and when I do I would only have a few drops of urine. I also experience Pelvic girdle pain or hip pain accompanied with back pains. Getting up to go to the toilet is a very painful experience, heck even turning over to a different sleeping position is painful.

How the baby is developing? (From Pregnancy Hut)

The baby is growing fast and measures around 18 inches long with a weight of around 5 ½ to 6 pounds. The majority of the baby’s growth is complete by the 35th week. The development of the baby’s kidneys is complete and the liver is beginning to produce waste. The baby will have less space in the body to move however its kickboxing routine that you might be counting at a specific period of the day will remain the same. If you have not started bonding with your baby this is a good time to start as the baby’s hearing faculty is fully developed by now. Do not feel awkward while chatting in baby talk as experts say that newborns pay close attention to high pitched tones. 99% of the babies born in the 35th week can survive outside the womb without any problems. The baby’s central nervous system is still developing but the lungs are mostly fully developed. Most of the protective tissues and hair tend to disappear but some of it might remain as a scaly coating. Tiny vellus hair grows in the next few weeks. Your baby is getting plump and the fat deposits begin to form which add fullness to the baby’s arms and legs.


During my 1st pregnancy I really didn't have an idea what contractions felt like. Well ladies, that tightening feeling you get in your tummy (busog feeling)as the oldies call it - those are contractions. You feel that usually in your 2nd trimester. At first I thought that was just the baby stretching. LoL. Stupid. Anyway, make sure to NOT mistake these Braxton Hicks/False Labor from True Labor. Keep in mind that unlike true labor, during this so-called false labor the contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together.

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Mac Games Kids Enjoy

My son is so adept with my sister's gadgets that even I can't very well follow how he does it. I guess kids nowadays born into a technological world adapts faster and is more into it.

I was thinking of getting an iTouch for myself and load it up with fun and educational mac games. I noticed Ozzy loves games right now which involves colors, letter and shapes. Installing for example something which matches colors is fun or even mac solitaire (well maybe the latter is for me!)

This game called world of goo for mac sounds fun too. It is a fun puzzle game and for sure Oz would love puzzle games. It is about dragging and dropping these living, squirming, talking globs of goo to build structures, bridges, cannonballs, zeppelins, and giant tongues! This game will surely improve his creativity and spatial-temporal intelligence!

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Saturday 9: I Ran

1. When's the last time you ran?
I believe a few months ago when I was still capable of running. I think I ran after my son...or something of that sort.

2. Do your jeans have rips, tears, and holes in them?
No, I haven´t worn my jeans like that since college.

3. What are you dreading right now?
I am dreading the possibility of going into early labor.

4. Do you like Mexican food?
Yes! Tacos..Nachos...yummm.

5. Favorite ice cream?
Brownie ala Fudge - I think that was the name. I can´t recall I finished it off last night. Heehee

6. When was your last doctor's visit?
My last OB visit was last Tuesday for my 34th week checkup.

7. Do you get the full 8 hours of sleep a night?
Lately no. I pee a lot. I can´t seem to relax and my baby´s movements wake me up.

8. How many pets do you have?
Only 1, a sole Goldfish named Dory.

9. "First Loves Are Never Over;" is this true for you?
No. It was over a long time ago. However I do believe you never forget your first love.

Join us here.

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Not Too Late for One

A friend of mine messaged me a few days back asking when my baby shower will be. I was hesitant to answer the question for 2 reasons. The first being I wasn`t the one whose suppose to throw one, I would have to wait if someone throws me one right? Secondly, I was thinking about this before and I didn`t know if it was proper to be demanding for one since I am having another boy and my 1st son had a shower and all his stuff are still slightly used and reusable.

So anyway, to cut the long story short, I just told my friend that a baby shower is not really my call and if someone throws me one then I am in no position to say no. Although it would be really nice to have a baby shower though. If I were to chose from these 50 baby shower themes from Party Pail I would like the theme Carters Baby Boy Shower. I like the powdery blue hues of the invites, thank you cards, napkins, balloons, decorating kit and the decorations. They even ship FAST so its not a question of waiting. If this theme is not for you there is also the animal shower theme complete with animal baby shower decorations. I like this Rubber Ducky and Baby Duckie Baby Shower Theme personally. Their decorations include invitations, party cups, napkins and many more.



Now in my 34th week and 6 days - I am feeling the massive weight I am carrying. Fine, fine it IS only 4lbs (estimate) but I really feel tired all the time. The baby has already positioned himself in my pelvic and every time he moves it seems like he presses on my bladder and kicks on my rib cage. My Doctor told me to limit my walking and activities because I may give birth earlier than expected. However, if a baby shower materializes I will pack it in and tell the baby to wait before he comes out.

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3x Thursday: Technology 3’s

Name and describe 3 technology-related things you do everyday, and why they’re important.

1. Go Online. It's important for work i.e access email, download stuff and access the parts depot and then make orders online for our business (and my sideline business).
   
2. Use my Palm Treo...to make important calls, send text messages and sometimes when I am bored or in the loo - play games. Heehee
3. ....I can't think of a 3rd one which is 'technology related'; maybe watch DVD's or drive the car?
   

Join us HERE.

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Goodbye Aunty Jen.

My sister is relocating to Manila in a few days for work. She will be assigned there for 1 year and a half. She will be staying in a condo with a few friends to save up on the rent and utilities. Although its going to be quiet without her in the house, my Mom and Dad said its about time she learn to become independent. Oz will surely miss her Aunt/tormentor/best friend/best enemy. The only good thing about this whole set-up is that we can get to use her room! Of course, we won't move in there because Ate would be home for the weekends as much as her schedule would permit. Manila is only a hour's plane ride away. However, Oz and I would be able to watch TV there more often since we don't have a TV in our own room. I talked to Ate about it and its fine with her but only once she is sure there's a television and tv stand . The condo that they will get is furnished of course, however she is not sure if they will have their own tv set and stand. If not, she will want to ship hers there or buy new one's.

Ate is leaving in about 3 days and she has not started packing yet! Good luck to her.

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Plumbing Solved

I am so happy our comfort room plumbing problem has been fixed! Dad bought the stuff needed last weekend for me and apart from some fixture malfunction and problems along the way; our room's cr is fully functional right now. The sink has been fixed and the water is running (with no leaks!). We changed the faucet and those pipes below because it is clogged. Dad even managed to score nice discount faucets. The toilet would now flush properly and then lastly, we have hot and cold shower. Ozzy loves his hot showers. He even stays in there longer that I do. He would say, "Hot water Mommy pleaaaasee!"

If there's no hot water he would refuse to take a bath and say he's afraid of the water because its too cold. I had to pay the plumber for his day though but that's fine because no one in the house can do the work anyway, might as well pay someone and get it over with. Good thing my Aunt knows of an available Plumber/Maintenance guy at such short notice.

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Baby Boy #2 Update: Week 34

Weight - 119 lbs
Tummy Circumference - 38"

Addt Notes : Slight Infection, I am under medication. Bummer.

My OB will be out of town 2nd week of September until the 9th so...she warned me not to go into labor then. LoL. She knew I wanted to give birth on the 8th or 9th however she said it is better I give birth after the 13th which would mark my 38th week.

It's always fun visiting my doctor. The secretary and other expectant moms have become my friends. We share stories of our previous pregnancies, current weight watch and other "beliefs of the old" (tinuhuan sa buktot) as they say. Most of the expectant moms are having a BOY which leads me to believe 2009 is the year of the boys. Were also due more or less the same time so we were hoping to see each other in the labor rooms! LoL.

I have not experience swelling or edema which is the swelling in your hands, face, ankles and feet which is the result of water retention. Maybe because I take in lots of water daily. However, I do need to drink my ANMUM regularly. This is an everyday challenge because I don't enjoy the taste!

==========

Baby's Development at 34 weeks. (Pregnancy Hut)

The baby is between 15 ½ to 17 ½ inches long and weighs around 5 ½ pounds varying from person to person. The baby’s body begins to fill up with layers of fat which will help the baby in regulating body temperature and adjusting with the atmosphere outside the mother’s womb. Most of the baby’s organs are mature except for the lungs as they keep practicing breathing and taking in the amniotic liquid while breathing leading to bouts of hiccups from time to time. The hair on the head is growing fast and the baby is learning to blink its eyes. The baby shows strong reactions to familiar voices at this stage.

The baby can get irritated with the ultrasonic examination due to the light which can disturb its sleep and might try to avoid the light with its hands. The baby is growing chubbier as the weeks progress. The fingers and finger nails are well developed and the facial features are also clearer now. The baby should now be getting ready for delivery by turning into a head down position and the doctor will be paying careful attention to the baby’s position as some babies can decide to turn back to the breech position just before delivery. A caesarean operation is the best method to deliver a breech baby to avoid damage or harm to the baby.

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Sunday Stealing: The Blame Tara Meme

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger known as MelRoXx of the blog Life of a Mean Jean. She explains that she was tagged to do the meme by gaelikaa and she states that it's called The Blame Tara Meme. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!




Cheers to all us thieves!


Question 1: Who do you think is the hottest movie star?
Answer : Right now, even though it sounds sooo common; I would say Rob Pattinson.

Question 2: Apart from your house and your car, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
Answer : My bags.

Question 3: What is your most treasured memory?
Answer : Too many, one of course would be the birth of my 1st son. It changed my life forever.

Question 4: What is the best gift you’ve ever received as a child?
Answer : My little kitchen set where it would "boil" and stuff. I loved my barbies too.

Question 5: What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?
Answer : Having a child before I got married, although it was personally okay for me, I knew I hurt my family with what happened.

Question 6: Give four words to describe yourself.
Answer : only 4! uhmm let´s see.. Open-minded, Understanding, Cheerful and Impatient.

Question 7: What was your highlight or lowlight of 2008?
Answer : Highlight was Hubby´s been accepted for a job overseas with better pay, low-light would be Hubby´s leaving...

Question 8: What was your most embarrassing moment.
Answer : Nothing stands out because I don´t get embarrassed easily. If I have to name one, it would be when I fell off a chair while laughing at something silly about a friend. The chair feel back, my legs went up in the air, I was in a mini skirt, my sandals flew to the nearby table. Luckily no one was eating there. Talk about Karma, never laugh at your friends! LOL

Question 9: Tell something not generally known about yourself.
Answer : I can´t stand eating in the table alone.

Question 10: If you were a comic strip/cartoon character, who would you be?
Answer : Betty, in Archie´s comics.

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Unconscious Muttering #342

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Delayed :: Gratification
   
2. Irresponsible :: Actions
   
3. Stupendous :: Idea
   
4. Barcelona :: Spain
   
5. Solution :: Problem
   
6. Simplify :: Life
   
7. Crumble :: Cookie
   
8. Podcast :: Magic 899.fm (local radio stationæs podcast I regularly listen to)
   
9. Conversation :: Intellectual
   
10. Homepage :: http://www.vanniedosa.com (mine!)
    

Join us here.

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For Your Industrial Needs

There are many things in life I need to learn first before becoming totally independent from my parents. One of the things that I need to work on is cooking! Of course, there's a little plumping skills and maintenance work I need to know like how to fix a light bulb. This is one of the downside of having an OFW for a Hubby. I cannot rely on him for these things because he is working far away. Oh well, good thing I have my Dad here. At least I still have a man in the house. Anyway, my Father was looking for some industrial supplies for our warehouse and I found these affordable and yet functional industrial handles perfect for our use.

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A New Cellphone

Shudder.

I wasn't able to sleep properly last night. I had a nightmare. I dreamt of the day when our car conked out, we got held up and I lost my phone and jewelry! Dang. Those goons did it in broad daylight and no one came to help. Boo.

I was so terrified then. Thinking about it now scares me still and that was 4 years ago! Anyway, I lost my dream phone that time - but the good thing is; I gained a new phone. I rarely change phones now because I hate losing my contacts. However, right now I am drooling over some unlocked phone's from BUY.com.

They have a new Palm Treo and the Nokia E71 looks sleek! I am so tempted..Hope Hubby reads this and considers buying one for me. Xo

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3x Thursday : Motivators

Name and describe 3 things that motivate you in general. Why do they motivate you?

• Family - once you become a parent, you will understand how kids and having a family of your own becomes the #1 motivator. You would want to ensure that your kids have a beautiful future, a safe one. One that would not cause them difficulty, so you do everything you can to provide that with a stable job and by being a living example to them everyday.
• Money - I would be a hypocrite if I will not include this. Money is a big motivation in general. I don't want to expound on this too much because surely you know what I mean.
  
• End in Mind - with a good idea what I want to accomplish, I would always keep that in mind to keep me motivated to go on even though I face obstacles along the way. After all what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger.
  

Join us here.

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On Copper Sinks

My parent's have been really thinking about redecorating our kitchen. It all started when a big cabinet door in the kitchen was removed and cannot be returned because of poor wood quality. So now we have a big cabinet without a door. It looks so untidy and Mom hates looking at it. However, we can't find a good contractor to do the job so as of now it is still there left open.

If I could put my 2-cents in I would recommend to Mom these stylish copper sinks. I know they will blend well with our house. I am even thinking of changing my personal bathroom's sinks with copper one's but I should prioritize to fix the plumbing first.

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Baby Boy #2 Update: Week 33

Weighing in at 118 lbs and having a tummy circumference of 37.5" - I can safely say I am so over this bump thing. Sure it was all cute at first, now I can barely get up from bed without cringing in pain. I seldom walk anymore and my legs and butt always hurt. I am clumsy and trip all the time and I really2x want to scratch my tummy!!! Arrg.

To think I still have a month to go.

So we all know Mommy is cranky, but how's my baby doing? Baby Development info from Pregnancy Hut:


The baby weighs around 5 pounds and is approximately 15 to 17 inches in length by now. Fat layers continue to get deposited under the baby’s skin and the bones of the baby harden except for the skull. The skull needs to be soft and flexible for the delivery. The pressure on the head during child birth is so strong that many times babies are born with a cone head like appearance. These bones don’t fuse until early adulthood and so they grow as the brain and other tissues expand during infancy and childhood. The lungs are nearly mature now but the baby would still need to stay in an incubator if born now. The baby is a little weak though fully formed with the same proportions as he will have after birth. If you have triplets they are normally born in the 33rd week of pregnancy. This is a time when it becomes more likely for the baby to settle in a particular position in the uterus. Most of the babies are cephalic that is in a head down position but if the baby has not descended to this position as yet there is still time for you to change the position. You can find out exercises which can help you in turning the baby’s position to a normal one which can help in giving birth normally. Yoga is an effective pregnancy exercise to build flexibility however is careful if you are starting yoga at this stage and have never done yoga before.

Better start my Kegels soon.

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Panjbob Kwepants

My 3-year old son hearts the yellow sponge and so many other Nick characters. He can't say Spongebob's name properly and this is how he says it : Panjbob Kwepants. So cute. His favorite shows include Fairly Odd Parents, Penguins of Madagascar and many others. So for a few hours a day, I let him watch television. Most of the time, the TV is tuned in his fave channel. He would ask me nicely if its "Joshua's turn?" and followed by the "Yes or No, Mommy, yes???" I find it so cute when he asks because he has these big hopeful eyes. One time when the cable was out and there was nothing to do, I tried Nick's site so see if there's video of Spongebob Squarepants episodes, and true enough there was to my son's delight. Aside from the videos they also had 3d games and board games.

It was so much fun exploring the site because it was interactive, one thing that shows in televisions lack. With their site, Nick promotes fun and learning which I like as a parent. Since Ozzy is banned from touching the laptop after he removed a key cap last weekend, I would be the one helping him with the games and such. This week, we will try exploring some of those action games like the Arctic Boot Camp Blitz with the Penguins wherein his hand-eye coordination skills will be enhanced. In this game I'd let him use the mouse instead of the laptop's pad. If you haven't gone there yet, check it out. Its actually fun for both young and young at heart.

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Ten on Tuesday: Fads I Just Don’t Get

10 Fads You Just Don’t Get

This is starting to feel like a memeing blog only. Forgive me. I just feel super lazy updating about the pregnancy and stuff. Feel free to browse my other 2 blogs though. Anyway, here we go:

1. Boyfriend Jeans - This look doesn't look good on anyone. Period. Even on Supermodel Heidi Klum.
2. Grunge Look - Kristin Stewart aka Bella Swan sports this look now with her mullet-like hair and I will never ever get it.
3. Ipod - I never got the joys of listening to an Ipod. Maybe because I don't have the time for it to actually appreciate it. But I don't have anything against it okay.
   
4. Heavy super bangs covering the face - I just noticed how kids nowadays wear their hair in such a way that it covers half of their face. I don't get it.
5. Super shoulder pads - not my cup of tea.
   

I could only think of 5. LoL.

Join us HERE.

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Give Me Five Monday Meme #46

My very first time to join this Meme!


Give Me Five random things you've never done before.

1. I've never tried drugs. (and don't have plans of trying)
   
2. I've never tried sky diving. (and don't have plans of trying)
3. I've never para-sailed.
   
4. I've never tried eating frogs. (or anything "exotic")
5. I've never traveled to a different continent. Only Asia.
   

Join us HERE

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Boo!

Boo!

Do you know what's coming in 2 months? Halloween. For those very serious about this occasion, its time to start planning the party and costumes. Whoever says its too early is wrong. Start giving out the invites now. There are many available Halloween invitations out there to choose from from simply scary to fun and spooky!

I personally have never attended a Halloween party. I've never gone trick or treating. I would want to though - someday. Maybe when my boys are older and we would go together. I bet that would be fun. I love treats anyway so I'm sure I won't mind walking for once to get candies and chocolates.

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Never Take Your Health For Granted

A person's health, especially when young is normally taken for granted. We don't go into annual checkups unless mandated by our company or is free, right? Nod your head if you have postponed a dentist checkup or a semi-annual physical exam just because you feel fine and don't feel the urgency to do so. I am guilty of this. Whenever I feel fine, I don't even find time to go have my checkup simply because I have to file for a leave for this and wait hours to see the doctor. It's too tiring. However, one should NOT take Health for granted. Why? Do you really have to ask?

Anyway, if you don't have medical coverage yet or want another one more comprehensive, check out Blue Cross North Carolina for a comprehensive medical coverage which is very affordable. You can even save as much as 50% off Blue Advantage. You'll have the best doctors and hospitals available. Also, this is advantageous to me right now, if you can choose to purchase maternity or dental coverage with your health care plan. There's so much more they have to offer to suit your needs.

Don't ever take your health for granted. I know, as a mom, I won't.

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Sunday Stealing: Janana's Now Vs. Then Meme

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger known as Tattooed Minivan Mom from the blog The Scattered Mind of a Tattooed Minivan Mom. She explains that she got it from Janana Bee. It appears Jana might have actually written this meme. But, it could have stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!


It's been a while since we had to post rules. But here we will list the relevent ones:

*Think back to ten years ago on this month.
*Write truthful answers and ELABORATE. This makes it more interesting!
*If you don't have a scanner you may omit #14 but I think if you do you should totally do it!
*It's about personal changes. Have fun with it!

Then: August 1999

1. Age: I was 16 and enjoying my Senior Year in High School.

2. Romantic Status: I was very much single.

3. Occupation: Profession Student.

4. Fun night out: The best was Prom Night. However, we used to hang out in a friends condo and that was always fun too.

5. My BFFs: Too many to mention. You know who you are.

6. I spent way too much time: Texting and talking on the phone till the wee hours of the morning.

7. I spent not enough time: Studying!

8. I wanted to be when I grew up: A nurse. However, I did not pursue that. Too much blood. OR an FA however since I was busy sleeping late I did not grow nearly enough to be qualified.

9. Biggest concern: Hair and Clothes.

10. What my biggest concern should have been: School and Grades.

11. Where did I live: An apartment infront of our school. It was great, I could hear the bell ringing and I'd dash out and still make it on time.

12. Dumbest thing I did that year: Fight with some of my closest friends and eventually lost touch.

13. If I could go back now and talk to myself I would say: Stop over thinking things and go with the flow.

14. Picture of me then: Just visit this link and see if you can spot me.

Now: August 2009

1. Age: 26 years old and a mom.

2. Romantic Status: Happily married.

3. Occupation: Technical Assistant to Dad.

4. Fun night out: Spending it at home with my boys.

5. My BFFs: Still too many to mention, but mostly college buds. Many of my HS friends moved to the States.

6. I spend way too much time: In Facebook.

7. I spend not enough time: Praying.

8. I want to be when I grow up: To have a little girl and to have a nice big house to grow old in.

9. Biggest concern: Future of the kids.

10. What my biggest concern should be: Future of the kids.

11. Where do I live: With my parent's in the heart of the City.

12. Dumbest thing I have done this year: Turned my back for a second and then find out my 3 y/o managed to remove a keykap in my 2 month old laptop.

13. What I think I would say to myself in 10 years: In 10 years where I am 36 and have teenagers I would say to myself : Good Luck.

Summary:

1. What do I miss most from 1999: Having no responsibilities was fun. Although cash was limited (relied on allowance from parents) we managed to enjoy the summers and afternoons just window shopping and hanging out with friends.

2. What do I miss least from 1999: All the drama.

3. What have I accomplished in 10 years that I am most proud of: My family and kids.

4. What have I NOT accomplished in 10 years that I wish I had: I always thought I'd be in a corporate world where I'd be successful, I never tried working outside the family business since I started working 5 years ago, although I love my job I still daydream of working in a highly competitive corporate world and kicking ass.

Join us HERE.

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Baby Boy #2 Update: Week 32

A few more weeks to go and I am ready to pop. Excited? Of course. Anxious? Very. Scared? A bit.

I worry about a lot of things, the baby's health, if everything is normal and I worry that I might not be able to manage my time properly with 2 kids now to take care of and no husband. But my parent's are here and I am hopeful everything will fall into place when the baby arrives.

At 32 weeks, everything is ready. Only half of the baby's stuff are left unwashed. It is also complete except his toiletries which I plan to get when I am on my 37th week. The crib and baby's bath tub are already out of the storage room and needs cleaning. I still have to get the bottles I've ordered from a friend and I still need to put together my hospital bag, other than that everything is set as early as now.

I am 117lbs (gained 3 lbs in 2 weeks) and my tummy's circumference is 37". I love to eat sweets (bad) and I am always tired. How's my baby doing? Read more from Pregnancy hut:

The baby keeps maturing as weeks go by. There is a 50% chance of surviving if the baby is born during this time. The baby can change its position to a head down position at this time getting ready for the delivery. The baby’s length is around 16 inches and the weight about 4 ½ pounds. The skin is red and wrinkly with less of downy hair and more of vernix which is the protective layer covering your baby. The baby’s brain is developing well so be sure that you eat well at this stage. The baby will gain at least two pounds before the end of the eight month. The movements of the baby might reduce because of its increasing size and its tight fit in the uterus. The baby’s lungs are still developing though the rest of the body is pretty well formed by now. The eyes start functioning and are able to focus and blink by now. The umbilical cord is coated with a gelatinous substance so even if the baby turns and twists the cord is protected from kinks and knots. The baby’s skeleton is completely formed by now but the bones are soft and flexible and will harden later. The baby’s toenails and fingernails have formed and the baby might even scratch itself. Experts have found that the baby now develops sensitivity to temperature and you can a swift kick if you place a hot pad on your growing belly.

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Light a Candle for Corazon Aquino

LIGHT A CANDLE FOR CORAZON AQUINO

1. Bits & Pieces - Thank you Lord for giving President Aquino
the gift of life. It was a well-lived life as she
touched nations all over the world.
It must have been difficult for her
especially the last months of her life.
But everything is well now as she joins you.
May her family find comfort knowing that
she is now safe in your kingdom.
2. Through The Rain - Thank you Lord for the privilege of having her as our
First Woman President. May her family find comfort in
your loving hands. And may our nation finds her as
an encouragement to keep on fighting for our
freedom and democracy.
3. My Online World- May she finally be welcome into your loving arms as she finds joy and comfort in your hands, she have touched the lives of many people and have lived a selfless life. Offering everything to you for the love and sacrifice for this country, she has been an inspiration to fight peacefully and according to your will.
4. Kidd Designs - I would like to thank her for her strength and for showing faith in the Filipino people. May she rest in peace.

5.YOUR BLOG

Thanks for this Dez.

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Ready for a Vacation

Swamped!

That's exactly how I would describe my Friday. For once I am busy on a Friday which normally I wouldn't be. Since we were on Holiday last Wednesday and Thursday, those 2 days off didn't mean the job vanished. It simply meant I had to cramp them all in one day - which is today. Good thing I had the sense to do a few of those jobs last Tuesday so at least I was able to minimize the load a bit. However, I am thankful I was able to have my SSS ID picture taken today. At last. I did not line up. Good thing I had friends in there. *wink*

Right now, after those 2 days off I really want more. Let's say a month off perhaps? Sounds impossible considering I have kids. A Mother's work is never done, no leaves and holidays for us. But if I can, I would want to try North Carolina's Outer Banks rentals. It would be nice to stay near the beach at the same time explore what the City has to offer. I'd surely grab that opportunity if it comes. Then I'd reserve a rental house with our own hot tubs! That would be awesome. Don't you think?

I am so ready for a vacation. Since that's not possible, I am just happy for the weekend. Enjoy your weekend guys. Xo

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