Function and Style

Last post for the day, I promise!

There are still a lot of things to do and its going to be Friday already tomorrow! Seems like time is zooming by fast. Papers are piled up in my desk with endless stuff to do. Arrg. I won't complain though; I'm just thankful I have a job.

Speaking of desks, I would like to have a modular office furniture. What I have now is a simple office desk and although it is functional it is not efficient. Its way to small and my stuff are cluttered. Finding the papers and folders I need takes much more time than actually doing the work. With this kind of set-up I feel I can function better. Also I like it when I am in an organized environment. This kind of office desk combines function and style and I like that.

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Thank God For Ring Slings

Baby Jacob is proving to be handful. He hates to be put down...for anything! Some babies are fine when placed in their crib or in their rockers but not this baby. You can't put him down too long for he will surely cry.

You know what I normally do? Put him on the baby sling. I tell you its a blessing I have one of these. At least, I get to free my hands and still do other things than carry him around. Once he falls asleep, I carefully put him down so that he can sleep properly. I just make sure that it won't be too hot inside the sling or it isn't too tight. Anyway, you'll know if its an uncomfortable position for him because he will cry.

So far I am loving the baby ring sling I got from Indigo Baby.

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It's A Go

It's a GO for Mom and Dad's trip to the US next month. Mother was initially skeptical about it since winter has come and she has issues with really cold weather. She would cough and cough and this might trigger for her pneumonia to come back. I told my mom this is the best time to finally be able to wear boots and cool thick jackets and hats. Mother seemed anxious but the tickets have been bought and there's no backing out now. Next thing to do is book their motel rooms online. I am not sure which states they are going to visit, but they can check out the orlando motels, I heard Florida has a better weather this time of the year despite a bit of rain. Well, its better than Minnesota where they plan on going as well.

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Best Gift

During the Holidays I always make it a habit to give. We give gifts to family and friends; little things, some expensive some inexpensive but special. This is the season of thanking and sharing.

However, with giving means more money to disperse; thank God for bonuses, 13th month pay and commissions right? Sadly, there are moments when this is just not enough to cut it. Aside from the shopping there are still bills to pay. Electric bill, water bill, phone bills, heating bill and so much more! That's just utilities, there's also bills for the credit card and mortgages. As parents we should always be mindful of our money and get it in our heads to save save save. Save for a rainy day. Save for emergency. Save for the childrens' schooling and basic needs. That is why when the going gets tough, its good to know there payday loans to get through the rainy season. With this at least we have the peace of mind that we have something to fall back on in case money will be tight.

Gifts, travel, presents and everything glitzy is nice during the holidays but we should also make sure to have a little extra money saved for the incoming new year. The gift of stability and a bright future is the best gift we can give our kids.

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Cradle Cap: Should I Be Worried?

The answer is no.

Last night before I was about to give Jacob his bath, I noticed some flaking in his scalp. Maybe I didn't notice it before because he has thick black hair but its there. My initial reaction was panic, was I using the wrong wash for his hair? Right now, I use Lactacyd baby wash for him same as Ozzy before. I don't remember Ozzy ever having flaky scalp until I told my Mother and she assured me it was fine and normal. That's not dandruff - but it's called cradle cap and its pretty normal. Cradle cap is described as the flaky, dry skin that looks like dandruff, or even thick, oily, yellowish or brown scaling or crusting patches in the baby's scalp. Some even have it around the eyebrows, ears, armpits or creases. It's not at all a pretty sight but its pretty harmless. It usually clears up on its own, around 6 to 12 months.

What I did to treat it was put a bit of oil before his bath, then I slightly gave it a rub. At this point the flakes detached easily then I gave him his bath and washed the scalp thoroughly. I then made sure his scalp was dry after the bath.

This morning when I checked it was clearing up. There no need to worry at all.

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Motor Homes

If you live in a calamity prone area or somewhere where its easily flooded, why not invest in a motor home??? Sounds like a fun idea right? Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a motor home. However, it would have been a great help for displaced families. Towing is not a problem for these motor homes since motorhome towing is available for emergencies at a low cost.

Those affected by the storm Ondoy lost many things. Their houses, their cars, valuables and important papers. But most importantly, some lost the lives of their loved one's. Its a sad fact and more storms are predicted to come in before the year ends. Is this signs of the times? Is the Lord telling us something? All I know is that we should all be prepared. Physically and spiritually for whatever may come our way.

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Immunizations: What You Need to Know

In 3 weeks, Jacob is scheduled for his 5 in 1 vaccine. This one time shot can protect your children from 5 diseases by giving them 1 easy vaccine. The 5-in-1 vaccine protects against:

1. Diphtheria
2. Tetanus
3. Pertussis (whooping cough)
4. Polio
5. Hib disease

Although it pains me to see my baby wailing in pain from the shots, I see it as a necessity to protect him from diseases. Immunizations are designed to provide protection against serious diseases and it is important part of my child's routine checkups. Some of those diseases (such as polio and diphtheria) were common a hundred years ago, but are rarely seen now thanks to immunizations.

However, I read and heard from the show Doctors how Autism is linked to Vaccines. Is there some truth in this? Should I be worried? If you have seen the show Doctors, the Parents, represented by Jenny McCarthy noted that there have been obvious side effects to their kids after shots were administered. Health Organizations had some strong views against this saying that there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. Both sides had a point. And at this time, there is really no known correct and definite answer to that. You can read more about the vaccine-autism controversy and I won't go much into it since I don't have the facts. Still, as a parent it got me thinking. That's why I will ask my Doctor about it the next time we go in for a check-up.

If you want to know what shots are for, how many doses and when it is given you can check it out here.

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Farm Animals

I am so not into animals or anything of that sort but my Uncle is. He was looking for pet supplies and even horse supplies because he was thinking of buying one for his farm. I really have no idea regarding this but I gave him a few ideas where to look. I hope it helps him. I also hope we can visit his farm because I know Ozzy would love to see the animals. I don't know with this kid, he loves cows, horses and farm animals. He loves watching Back At The Barnyard, a cartoon show and he brings his little miniature cows everywhere. If he goes into the farming profession when he grows up, I know his Grandfather and Uncle will approve.

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Don't Want To Be Put Down

We had Jacob's Christening yesterday and it went well. Despite the fact that Hubby wasn't there, it was still a happy occasion where friends and family gathered.

...I just feel super tired right now though. I feel like my arms are about to fall off from carrying the baby all the time. Like his big brother he wants to be carried all the time. Once you put him down in his crib he wakes up! My Aunt says I should not practice this since the baby will not be able to grow and stretch as opposed to when he is lying in a bed. However, I hate it when he wakes up and I have to dance around again. At night, what I do is place him in my chest. It works from him and me too. But I really want to break his habit. Any suggestions Mommy's out there???

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Outfits For My Boys

I swear, online shopping is very addictive! Once you start you just can't stop. Especially once you find the perfect site which has all your needs, wants and more at an affordable price.

I was looking for unique onesies and baby clothes for Jacob to wear. I found a whole lot to choose from that the only thing stopping me from buying is the fact that I can't decide which one's to get! There are many tops, shorts, pants and shoes that are such a cutie. A tip when buying infant clothing? Don't get so much they will outgrow them fast, get something slightly larger so they can wear it longer, but in sets (pants and shirt) then mix and match with other pieces, also watch out for fussy clothes with a lot of zippers and buttons because this is harder to put on a very active baby. Also, in my case when I buy tops or infant shirts for my boys, I buy something with wide head openings because they have huge heads. My favorite to buy for them are polo's and polo shirts. It makes them look like little men which I love.

Right now, for my toddler, I have stopped buying him clothes because he has enough given to him in the past. He has still not worn most of the clothes since they are too big for him. A quick tip too when buying pants or bottoms for toddlers? Buy something with adjustable waist so the baby can use it longer as well. Some pants are even adjustable in length. If you can get that, get those kinds as well.

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It's A Go

I was in a conundrum a few weeks back. Should I wait for Hubby before baptizing the baby? Or go ahead with it knowing it is important not to prolong the baptism of a child?

I was really torn with this for a few weeks that's why it took me a long time to decide if Jacob's baptism is a go or not. Since we don't plan to have something big for the baptism anyway, we decided to go ahead with it this Sunday. I believe that its important for the baby to be baptized before anything else, in case something awful happens he is already cleansed of sin. We will surely have a gathering this December with the family when Hubby arrives too.

Good thing Hubby understands and gave me the go signal. It's just the simple rite then followed by luncheon. I'm excited for the gathering. I'm glad I have extra blogging money, this way I don't eat up on our savings for the bash.

Xo

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Confused.

Our office right now is in total chaos. There are boxes of spare parts everywhere and the brochures are just lying around. My brother was asked to organize the stuff but until now he has not finished what was asked of him. He says he's confused on what is what and which brochure is asked whenever a customer calls. I remember when I first started working, its hard to get focused and driven when working for you Dad at times. This is because you tend to rely on the fact that he won't fire you.

That's not good, I know. It took me a while before I started working hard; that's why I am cutting my brother some slack this time. Anyway, we've bought counter cardboard displays for the brochures so that it will be easier to look for and organize. Maybe this time he won't be as confused anymore.

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Baby Jacob @ 1 Month

Just an update about my 1-month old baby!

• He hates taking a bath.
• He can lift his head 45 degrees when on my stomach briefly.
• He can focus on a face or object in front of him.
• He coos and make cutie baby noises (other than crying!)
• He smiles but I don't know if its in response to me smiling at him..

Right now he nurses every 2-3 hours. He is still a night owl which means I don't get much sleep at night. I am still working on him switching to sleeping longer during night time as opposed to what's happening now wherein he sleeps the longest during the day. That's basically what he does, eat, sleep, cry, poop and the rare smiling and cooing.

He is scheduled for HepB 2nd shot tomorrow. I am guessing he has gained about 1kg since his last visit with the Pedia. My arms get really tired after only 30 minutes of carrying him.

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Watch America's Got Talent Live!

Wouldn't it be nice to score some tickets to watch Las Vegas Shows? I've heard so many things about how fun these shows are. And why not? Las Vegas attracts so many tourists yearly because of their casinos and extravagant shows.

Did you know you can watch America's Got Talent - LIVE in Las Vegas? Prices start at $70. Starting this October you have a chance to experience the best of America’s Got Talent in person!

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11 Reasons Babies Cry

According to Baby Center there are 11 main reasons why babies cry. Well for one crying is their only means of communicating so as parents we should be able to decipher these cries to make parenting easier. You'd think its this simple - believe me its not.

Babies cry because....

1. They are hungry.
2. Have a dirty/wet diaper.
3. Sleepy
4. Wants to be held
5. Tummy troubles (gas, colic, and more)
6. Needs to burp
7. Too cold or too hot
8. Something small
9. Teething
10. Feeling overwhelmed
11. Not feeling well

Right now, my 1-month old boy cries mostly because he enjoys being held! We could barely put him down in his crib because he would notice and thus wake up. Swaddling seems to help. Also, I noticed he doesn't like it when its warm. He doesn't mind the noise and if there's light or not. It's hard but I make it a point to put him down so that he won't get used to being carried all the time.

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Making Exercising Fun.

I hate to exercise. The reason I don't like it because its boring. The only way for me to go out there and lose weight is by playing sports or maybe doing some brisk walking or something. The downside about our subdivision is that we don't have a park we can go to. I wouldn't recommend walking around the neighborhood as well because there are too many stray dogs. So that leaves us with "playing sports". I've never been the sporty girl and back in college I remember slightly enjoying our Physical Ed class. We were taught how to play Ping-Pong and Badminton. I sucked at ping-pong. You can make the ping pong tables bigger and I'd still have the ping-pong ball hitting the floor (or walls) most of the time. I guess maybe I just needed some practice. The ball is just too small, y'know! The only sport I've enjoyed is badminton. Maybe I will take it up again. My friends and I made badminton a weekly thing before but due to our different schedules and busy work life it was canceled. I should ask my friends if their up to it. This way, exercising would not be boring anymore.

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Silver Lining

Due to the massive flooding caused by Typhoon Ondoy, many are left homeless and in grief. People lost their loved one's and belongings to the storm. However, for auto repair shops - business is booming. Tons of people had to have their cars repaired because their cars have been submerged in water. Some has to reupholster their car's seats, buy new truck accessories and other car accessories. Some even have to repaint their cars. Still they are lucky than those hundreds who lost their whole houses! I can't even begin to think what I'd do if that happened to me.

Image Source: link

Many are still very thankful though because cars, houses, these are only material things, they can be replaced unlike lives lost.

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Friday Fill-Ins#145

And...here we go!

1. Sweet dreams or a beautiful nightmare.

2. Those chocolates are especially for me.

3. Silliness , wit and his ability to make me laugh made me love him more.

4. We have no plans for this Halloween.

5. Outstanding or not I'd still be proud of my children no matter what.

6. Cake from Red Ribbon, specifically Coffee Crumble is what I want right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting, maybe sleeping early, tomorrow my plans include nothing much, maybe I can finally clean the our room and Sunday, I want to hear mass and buy a few groceries!

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Creepy Malicious Software

I learned something today. Haven't you ever wondered about terms like spyware and antispyware? I have gone through the term fairly regularly and I finally asked my brother what is was. To my surprise, a spyware is a type of malware (short for malicious software) that is designed to infiltrate a computer without the owner's informed consent. This software would then collect information about the users without their knowledge. Aside from this, spyware programs can also interfere with the user's control of the computer such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity and it is also known to change computer settings.

At first, I was like, "So what? I don't have any information here worth anything." Then little brother said, "Bank Passcode." Uh-oh! He's right. Besides, its creepy knowing some malicious software is "watching" what I'm doing online. I get peeved when someone is hovering behind me when I am in my computer because I feel spied at - what more if the "spy" is in my PC! Good thing antispyware software is available in the market now for added computer security.

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Quality Zzz's

Sleep deprived. That's how I would describe myself right now. But you know what, its fine. I've survived through my first baby with minimal sleep so what the heck, I'd survive this one too. I just don't know how long I can keep this up. I'm thinking, as soon as we can hire additional help around the house I can get my much needed shut eye. I know it has gotten out of hand because when I do sleep, I dream about sleeping!

Speaking of sleeping, I'm just glad I've got that big comfy bed a few months back. Apparently the baby prefers to sleep on the bed with me and his big brother rather than sleeping on his own crib. My only regret is I didn't know about these eco green mattress. Although I got a 6" quality mattress which the salesman explained was top quality. So far I am happy with it and the bed. Now, if only I can use it for sleeping 8 hours straight.

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Baby #2: Birthing Story

Baby Jacob came out at 38w and 3days. I was 4cm dilated and was induced. So here's what happened.

One week before the D day, the OB IE'd me and found out I was 2cm dilated . She told me that the baby can come out anytime soon so its best to be ready already. This was September 10, Thursday; so I did my walking and cleaning and organizing and more walking. I was hoping I'd give birth on the weekend so that it would be convenient for everyone. I already passed my mucus plug so I thought this is it, maybe a few hours more then I'd enter into active labor. I didn't know the baby had other plans. My contractions were already getting a bit painful but it was not regular at all so I did not feel the need to alert anyone just yet.

5 Days passed - I was due for another check-up with my OB. I was still very much pregnant. My OB did an IE and told me I was 4cm dilated. I thought,"okay, a few days more". However, my OB was leaving town the day after next and if I don't give birth soon she may be away when I do. Since I heart my OB and I don't want anyone other than her when I give birth, I chose to have my baby induced.

We checked in the hospital that night and scheduled my induction the next day at 7AM. I was still 4cm then, no pains. By the time 8AM came by - the contractions became regular but tolerable. My OB came in at 9AM and checked on me, I was 6CM dilated; she had to burst my bag of water then started the most painful 54 minutes of my life.


Baby Jacob Varick came out via NSD at exactly 9:54AM, Wednesday September 16, 2009 at 6lbs 12oz (3.1kgs). Just like that he was out. I was glad I opted for induction of labor - the labor was really quick, albeit painful; it went smoothly.

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10 Things You Want But Can’t Afford

1. An Iphone.
2. A Caribbean Cruise
3. Dream House
4. A Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull
5. A new car (must be automatic)

Can't think of anything else. :)

Check out other participants answers :::here:::

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Want Some Cash?

In need of a loan?

May it be for emergency, for an important trip, for a date or for whatever reason you can think of - cash is cash and when you're strapped of cash its good to know there are financial institutions out there ready to lend a hand. In your case; ready to lend you some cash!

It's easy to apply, all you would need is to be 18 years old and above, have a current and active bank account and lastly you must have a job or a verifiable source of income. That's it, no credit check, save on nsf charges and no fax payday loan as fast as that. This is very helpful to those who feel they have reached rock bottom. Bills to pay, maxed out credit cards and you just want a bit of help to get you back on track.

Believe me, if this situation seems familiar faxless fast cash online is worth checking out.

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Blog Award from Gracie

Blog Awards is a fun way of connecting with other bloggers and building friendships/community.

Here are the rules: before you put the link, you must remove the participant number 1 from the list. So that all participants up 1 level. Who was number 2 become number 1, number 3 was 2, and so on. Then insert your own links at the bottom (number 10).

1. boodee

2. Woel

3. Lyla

4. Mr. D

5. Jenny

6. Riza

7. Thea

8. Joanne
9. Gracie
10. Vannie

Passing this on to expectant moms: Marie and Phoebe.

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Michelle O. - Style Star

Move over Jackie O. there's a new fashion icon in town and she's not afraid to accessorize. Yes, I am talking about the U.S. First Lady Michelle O. Everyone seems to be watching her every move - in the world of Politics and in the world of Fashion. Personally, I love the First Lady. She is someone who strikes me as brilliant yet down to earth at the same time. What's more is that she has the ability to inspire people and make a change. First Ladies are human as well and we tend to forget that. With Michelle she makes it a point to do her job as the First Lady while balancing her role as a Mother to her 2 daughters, Malia and Sasha.

She caused quite a stir when she stepped out of a plane - in shorts! And why not? She was on a vacation with her family anyway. She's human, what was she supposed to wear? Designer gowns and stuffy suits?

Another thing, the First Lady is obviously a trend setter sporting outfits from new designers and even J. crew. She was also spotted wearing a Ultra Violet Neon Plasteramic toy watch from JR Dunn. Now, here's a First Lady that we can all relate to. Her style is chic and wearable. She proves that you can be stylish without dropping thousands of dollars to look the part. "We're Loving Michelle Obama's Toywatch", this is according to NBC.

I've mentioned earlier how Michelle Obama wears stuff from J. Crew - well you too can get the look just drop by AOL Beauty & Style for more tips. The First Lady was very vocal about purchasing stuff Online which was more convenient and cheaper. With the economic crunch, it is nice to know the Leaders of the U.S also do their best to cut back on the expenses.

Michelle O. in her own right is a new style star.

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