Baby Jacob's Sleeping Habits

Currently in his 5th month, Baby #2 and I more or less established a sleeping pattern already. Typically he sleeps around 15-16 hours a day. That's about 3 naps at 2 hours each in a day and 10 hours through the night.

Anything less than that he'd throw a fit. You know when he's sleepy and/or not in the mood because he'll look like this.


Anyway...I am thankful he sleeps through the night. At least even though I still wake up about 3 times at least I get 8 hours of sleep.

Our sleeping routine is pretty simple. I give him a bath around 6:30PM. After we play around a bit. At around 7 he usually gets pretty cranky already so I put him to sleep by rocking him to sleep. He also prefers it when you sing (ABC's is his song of choice). Sing and dance, parang talent show. hmp.

He's usually down by 8...at around 8-10PM he's in the light sleep stage wherein slight noise would wake him up. I usually carry him or just cuddle him during this time which I wish he will get over soon. After 10PM he's down already and in deep sleep until 6AM.

Having a schedule is very helpful because I would know when I can go out (ie. groceries, me time, dinners etc) and when its okay to bring the baby out. It's so not fun having a cranky/sleepy baby with you.

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Lazy Monday & Stories

I feel extra lazy today.

Too lazy to even stand and visit the loo. Wait. (Thinks it over and remembers UTI) *shudders*

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There, I'm back ^_^ So what up? I feel like the reality that DH is far far away is finally settling in. Our weekend in Jaro was fun, quite tiresome but fun. I made kwento here. I wish DH was there. Ozzy loved seeing the carabao's in the field and chicken in the backyard. The baby was a bit harder to care for because I had no help. Nonetheless, I am pretty sure the fresh air and new environment was fun for him as well.

Coincidentally, both my boys met their paternal Grammy when they are in their 5th month.

This was Joshua way back in December 2006.

and then 3 years or so later.

Jacob February 2010.

Aren't they a doll? Grammy instantly recognized Jacob's Chinese decent. I told her he was 1/4 Chinese. I don't know if she heard me. She a bit deaf. She forgets things after 5 minutes. But she still has this great aura of calm and sophistication.

Till the next visit.

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To Do's:

Apparently, I still have a lot more reading to do about diet pills and I still haven't started to browse through http://www.phenterminedietpill.org yet. I need to finish off everything in my to do list before Friday comes. Our flight on Friday is at 4:15 that means we should be at the airport by 2PM.

To Do List:

1. Grocery shopping.
2. Pack.
3. Finish ordering (work stuff).
   
4. Get OR for the lots.
5. Visit Ozzy's probable schools?

The weather is not helping at all. I feel the effect of El Nino where its 89•F outside. It's so draining. I just want to crawl back to bed where my 2 boys are napping instead of working.

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Certainly Uncertain.

While I was busy searching for the best weight loss diet pill in the market, a friend pm'ed me and told me about a friends breakup with his long time boyfriend. They were together for more than a decade.

Yes, his long time boyfriend. Theirs was a monogamous relationship unlike many others and though they stood the test of time for a while, compounded issues still broke them apart.

A friend who himself was also in a long term monogamous relationship sadly sighed,"Nothing is really certain noh?" Then I thought, "Yes,It's certainly uncertain."


In a relationship, no matter how long you've been together, nothing is ever certain. What I do know, and is absolutely certain is that change is constant in our lives. Change for the better, change for the worse, change to be different or simply change to change; what I've learned through the years is that its better to go with the flow, accept things we cannot change and move on. Nit-picking past issues and minor flaws are best to be forgotten. In the end we realize that these changes in our lives, big or small happens to make way for a much bigger plan. Cliche na kung cliche, but its the truth.

It's sad hearing about breakups, especially now that its the love month! So change..change topic please. LOL. I'd better get back to looking for those dang diet pills.

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Lucky Friday

Hubby's sudden departure for work was quite unexpected that it left me feeling stressed and harassed for time. We had barely 2 days to prepare for his trip - that was the best weight loss supplement ever no more diets needed. LOL. The events leading up to his leaving happened fast; luckily for us, everything fell right into place. It was like the Lord was showing us the way. It was a hair raising experience actually. One for the books.

So much more happened in just 1 day as opposed to Hubby's months of waiting for that call. On that lucky Friday, even with no clear job offers, Hubby started his day by going to POEA to have his exit clearance renewed. Maybe the Lord told him to, or he had a premonition, but he was saying its better to have it than not and regret it later. True enough, at around 3PM he received an email saying he was hired and due back ASAP. Since he already had the exit clearance, we were able to book a flight, buy the ticket with worker discount and finalize his itinerary all before 5PM. Praise the Lord we didn't hit any snags along the way.

Saturday was spent buying stuff for his trip, visiting his parents and packing. Sunday was Valentines. We heard mass and had lunch together. By dinner I was at the airport saying goodbye. Although it's sad that we didn't have a proper date on hearts day, I am still thankful that I got to spend at least the day with him.

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Manic Monday #200

..done on a Tuesday!

What's your least favorite word?

Sorry - because it can mean a lot of things, sorry I can't pay you back, sorry were out of those cute snakeskin handbag, sorry I broke your phone, sorry I wasn't able to make it, sorry I lost your number etc2x

Where do you go when you need really good advice?

Church. I hear mass. I would pray and ask for enlightenment. Cliche as it may sound, the Lord does lead you as long as you have faith in Him.

If you could participate in any winter Olympic sport, what would it be?

Figure-skating because I enjoy that so much plus the costumes rock! No worries I won't be committing any fashion faux pax by wearing fur!

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Frustrated Hostess

I've never tried planning a baby shower for my friends...I am the only one among my peers (and close relatives) who has given birth. I don't know why, but I am looking forward to be the one who receives cute baby shower invitations then attending the party rather than the one being thrown one. I am sure it's fun being the expectant mom being showered with gifts, but for once I want to be included in the games. LOL. Speaking of games here are a few baby shower games that are fun to play:

• Guess Mom's Tummy Size: (Materials- String or yarn and scissors) Have each woman pull the yarn to the size they believe would fit perfectly around the Mother-To-Be's center of her pregnant tummy. After everyone cuts their string, compare the results to the Mommy-To-Be's actual tummy. Give a prize to the woman who is the most close! This is a baby shower favorite.
• How Many Baby Items Can You Name: (Materials- pad of paper and pen for each woman). Have each woman write down as many baby products as they can name (bottle, blanket, pacifier, etc) within 5 minutes. Sure it is easy at the beginning, but towards the last few minutes, the women will start racking their brains for more :) Give a prize to the woman who gets the most baby products named!
• Place The Baby On The Mommy: (Materials- Cutouts of a baby with tape and blindfold). Another one of our favorite baby shower games is the baby shower version of Pin The Tail on the Donkey. Blindfold each participant and then give them a paper baby to then approach the mom and place the baby as close to the tummy as possible. The one who gets closest to placing the paper baby on the pregnant tummy wins.
• Bottle Races: (Materials- Baby bottles with Milk or alternate drink). Have each participant take a bottle filled with a liquid and suck the bottle as a baby would. The woman who drinks the most in an alloted time wins the baby shower gift. This baby shower game gets everyone laughing!
• Guess the baby pictures: Ask for everyone's pictures prior to the baby shower. Have all the pictures in a collage and make lines for people to fill in who they think the babies are out of the girls at the baby shower. If most women don't know each other, just have the pictures of the mother, mother-in-law, sisters, and mommy-to-be. See how many people guess right. You can make copies of the baby picture collage to see how many can guess right!
  

Fun right? Just make sure to choose safe games that everyone will enjoy. There are more and I can't wait to be hostess...Any of my friends reading this??? C'mon hurry up and make a baby now.^_^

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Jacob @ 5 months!

...Baby Jacob turns 5 months old today. What is his gift for his loving mommy??? By waking me up at 4:30AM.

Toink. Thanks a lot sweetie.

Suffice to say, although I am a 'morning person' - today isn't such a great day for me. Anyway, enough of that let's have random updates about the boy shall we! Now at 5 months he weighs 7.2 kgs. More or less the same updates as last month but much more advanced.

He can:

• While on his tummy, he can lift himself up with his arms.
• He reaches for his toys.
  
• He responds by making baby sounds when you talk or sing to him.
• He responds when you call his name.
• He likes silly play, like making faces or peek-a-boo.
  
• He likes it when you let him stand and he is bounced up and down.
• He is friendly to all and offers his big toothless grin easily.
• He can express emotion. You'll know it when he's happy, sleepy, hungry or uncomfortable.
  

Last week, we went to the doctor for his shots; we had the doctor check out his back as well because there were dry flaky patches which were reddish in color. I really thought it was baby eczema, but the doctor assured me its nothing more than just dry skin. The whitish part was due to the pigmentation of the skin. He just recommended we moisturize and change Jacob's baby wash to a more gentler kind. Right now, I can see it is getting better.

All in all, he is a healthy, happy, bouncy 5-month old boy.

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TT: We're Not Laughing AT You, We're Laughing WITH You

Welcome to the February 4th version of Thursday Thunks!

(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)

Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!

We pick a subject, and your job is to interpret it anyway you want. Write about it on your blog... simple as that. Maybe you can interpret it as a picture - we don't care!

Please only leave a link if you have written a Thursday Thunks post. Please mention us in your post, and link back to the blog here.

Don't forget to go visit the other participants' blogs. Read and comment about all their Thursday Thunks! Thats what all this is about afterall, isn't it? We'll have so much fun and become lifelong friends....

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the color of doom, and the number 999.

1. You walk into a room, someone turns and looks at you and laughs. What do you do?

I'd give that person the stink eye.

2. You find an egg, take it home and keep it warm. It hatches. What type of dinosaur is it? Do you keep it and name?

Of course it would be a T-rex. Basing from all dino movies I've seen (Ice-Age and Land Before Time) a mysterious egg is always that of a T-Rex, I'd name him Chomper because its cute.

3. Which superhero would you want to be related to and why?

What a fun question, I guess Batman. First of he's filthy rich and I'm sure he'd hook me up with a cool ride and outfit too.

4. A drunken sailor comes up to you on the pier...he begins harassing you in a most repulsive way....what'll be your defense?

I will kick him in the balls.

5. Entering a CLASS A piano bar, you're encouraged to sing atop the grand instrument...you grab the microphone and sing.....

....sing??? me!? Uhmm I guess IF I HAD TO I will sing Alone by Heart. Hey you asked for it!

6. If you were a character in a Dr. Seuss book/movie, who would you be and why?

I dunno. The Grinch (just for today) because I feel like it.

7. If you have just been called to be a substitute in the Winter Olympics for your country (apparently everyone else was busy), what sport(s) will you compete in?

I so very SUCK at sports, I am guessing I was the last one called to sub, but what the heck, I'd like to try my hand in Figure Skating just 'cuz I love the outfits.

8. Did the audience from the piano bar in question #5 applaud when you were done with your song?

Yes..I believe they did.

Questions 4 & 5 were contributed by Hootin' Anni. Thanks Anni! If you would like to submit your own TT questions, email us at thursdaythunks@gmail.com

Berleen wants to know~ Why haven't you joined ICForums yet? You're a blogger, you like to talk... you like to read... seriously. It's the same concept!

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Kisses This V-Day

We are celebrating the love month again! I feel the need to celebrate it this year because Hubby's home. The kids are having a great time bonding with their father too, it would be nice to throw a v-day party noh? Complete with music, dancing, champagne and heart-sy party invitations. But alas, we just can't right now. So, for hearts day Hubby and I might just go out for dinner and maybe have some drinks after in a nice place. We're also thinking of sending out greeting cards to our family and friends instead if the usual chocolates. I've tried to play with some ideas like this one I made in scrapblog.

What do think?? Such a cutie!

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Ironic

Bummer, my printer conked out on me again for the nth time this week. Isn't it ironic that things decide to get broken when you need it the most??? I have millions of reports to print to be passed to SSS, Philhealth and Pagibig. These have to wait until I get my printer fixed. When I called the technician he mentioned something about clogged cartridge and over refilling may cause this problem. Either he can have it cleaned or I buy new ink cartridge. I can do the latter of course, but darn cartridges cost more than the printer! Speaking of inks, I was supposed to canvass for Flexo ink cleaners to remove the stubborn ink stain on my printer so that it will be good as new and I almost forgot. Ever since giving birth, I seem to have problems with my memory! Must be all the anesthesia.

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Manic Monday #199

What was your best day of the week last week and why?

Saturday because I was able to go out and have 'me' time. I had foot spa, manicure and pedicure.

What's the longest you've ever gone without sleep?

3 years and counting....well, its an exaggeration but ever since my first son was born, I never had a decent 8-hr uninterrupted sleep; especially now when the 2nd one is only 4 months old.

Is how old you look and/or how old you feel right now different from your actual age?

I feel like I am still in my early 20's (21-23 maybe) and I actually look it. People would never believe I have 2 kids (3 1/2 and 4 months). My actual age??? Guess!!!

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Store Data Safely

When was the last time you stopped and took the time to backup your personal files, email documents, music, photos and videos?

If you can't remember or if it has been more than 3 months ago then you are susceptible to losing your files which will lead to more stress. As if we need more stresses in our lives, better be safe and learn to backup! You can't possibly say its hard because there are so many options now, you can either store them in CD's, DVD's or in external hard drives. Right now, the trend is on online backup wherein your files are stored safely in an off-site backup service. My Father was talking about awhile back because we are going to upgrade our current system of backing up to online backup. So how does it work? Simple, it is built around a client software program that runs on a schedule, typically once a day. This program collects, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data to the remote backup service provider's servers.

It is comforting to know that our data is safely tucked in somewhere and then it is accessible easily whenever or wherever I am.

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Fresh New Layout for 2010

Noticed my new layout???

...I like it. I like the new, cleaner more subdued browns and beige. I still haven't found the right header yet so I am keeping the default for now.

Do you like it??

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V-Day Wishlist

Just posted my V-Day wish list in Facebook! It fun, but it would be nicer if those wishes would come true! Seeing that Hubby still has not renewed his contract to work abroad; it is wise for me refrain shopping online. Ozzy starts school this June and before that we will enroll him first to Summer classes so as not to shock him when school starts. Thus the battle between resisting to shop and to shop (especially with Paypal where Hubby don't usually check...lol) begins. I would have wanted to include an xbox 360 especially now there are Holiday Bundle offers but no...I won't even though I want because the question of need arises and for now, we don't need it. Not when Ozzy seems to be getting super addicted to Aunty's iTouch. Maybe in December. We'll see!

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