Power Outage

We have been experiencing power interruption in our neighborhood during the last two nights. The transformer at the MERALCO post in our area exploded several times. This causes so much hassle especially with the hot weather even at night. I only had 3 hours sleep last night. Thea was cranky so I have to use hand fan continuously just to help her sleep more relaxed. I think I really have to rechargeable lamp and fan as soon as possible in preparation with the succeeding emergencies. 

After 16 Years...

We have not seen each other since our high school graduation day. Though most of us studied college here in Manila, we haven't got the chance to meet. I am referring to my high school batch mates, eight of us met yesterday and we had a great time chit-chatting and reminiscing the old times. The meet-up is part of the pre-planning activities in relation to our Alma Mater's Grand Alumni Homecoming slated on May 2011. 

I tagged Thea along with me. instead of being bored because she didn't like the food we ordered she entertained my buddies with her non-stop talking. It's really nice to meet important people whom we haven't seen for ages, right? We are planning to meet again, and hopefully our other classmates/batch mates will join.

  

After our get-together, my sister, nephew, Thea and I went to SM Department Store to buy school bags and shoes. Unfortunately, we didn't find shoes that fit our budget - we'll check the mall near our place anytime this week to complete the kids' school supplies. Thea is so happy with her new Disney Princess school bag that she even ate breakfast this morning wearing it :D. 

16 Weeks

I am already on the 16th week  of pregnancy. I am thankful that  nausea and vomiting is lessened as I approach the 4th month. 

According to baby2see.com, at Week 16, facial expression of the fetus are possible. Here's the detail about the fetal development at this stage:

• The fetus measures nearly 5 inches (12cm) from head to buttocks.
• The fetus weighs about 3.5 ounces (100 grams).
• The fetus is covered with a protective soft down to regulate its temperature.
• Fat begins to form underneath skin.
• Baby hears external voices, sleeps and dreams.

Your baby has learned to breathe. This is apparent from the regular movements of his chest, inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid. These actions help the lungs to develop and grow. More developed facial muscles may lead to various expressions, such as squinting and frowning. Your baby nows weighs more than their afterbirth. The baby can grasp with his hands, kick, or even somersault.

You are showing more now and have an obvious swelling in your lower abdomen. The rest of your body is still changing. A total of 5 to 10 pound (2.25 to 4.5 kg) weight gain by this point in your pregnancy is normal.

The crown to rump length of your baby is 4.4 to 4.8 inches (11 to 12 cm). Fetal weight has doubled in 2 weeks and is about 3.5 ounces (100g).

Mommy & Me Sparty: Benefits of Touch Therapy

Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Club and Nuffnang for inviting me in a mommies meet-up and the latest series of the Baby Bedtime Discovery. The event was held last Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Dulcinea, Eastwood City, Libis QC and dubbed as the Mommy & Me Sparty: Benefits of Touch Therapy.

The speaker discussed the different types of baby massage and their benefits. It is true that a good touch makes our babies feel loved and promotes an excellent bonding time between parent and child. Communication levels can also be strengthened through massage therapy for babies. I, as a mother, has been practicing touch therapy to my little girl Althea. When she was still an infant, I massage her after every bath using ample amount of Johnson and Johnson's Baby Oil. Even until now, light massage makes her feel okay. She would grab my hand whenever she needed Mama's soothing massage. 

Hey mommies, please join us and be part of Bedtime Believers. There's still a couple of events to follow and these are the following:

Bedtime Stories: Bedtime Activities for Your Baby & Baby Lullabies
5 JUNE 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Dome Café
Ground Level, Solid Mills Building,
Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
~ ~ ~ Wrap Up! Mommy Gets Good Sleep
10 JULY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Figaro Coffee
Level 3, Robinson's Galleria, East Wing
EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., QC 

This is How I Celebrated My Birthday

I had a simple celebration at home on my natal day last Monday, May 24. As I've mentioned in my previous post, I want it just a simple family affair. Few weeks before my birthday, I told Thea, my 4-year old daughter to go home on or before my birthday. She spent the summer vacation with her grandma (my mom) in my hometown. My wish was granted, they arrived last Monday, just in time to celebrate that very special day with me. 

I went to the market early in the morning. I also inquired at a bank near our place. My husband and I have been discussing about opening an account at that bank. Unfortunately, the bank personnel told me that I have to present a valid government-issued ID. Even though one of the 2 IDs I presented was issued by a government insurance company, he told me that it is considered as an ATM card. After lunch, I tagged along Thea and my sister at a nearby grocery store to buy  ingredients for my recipe and other groceries. By the way, I cooked baked macaroni (for the first time) and it was a success. 

I was just a simple celebration but Thea's arrival and my husband's phone call made my day complete.

Countdown to my Birthday and Thea's Homecoming

It's only five days to go before my birthday and Thea's homecoming as well. Yes, my daughter will arrive on Monday after a month and a half vacation in my hometown. My husband talked to her on the phone yesterday and he complained that he doesn't understand Thea anymore because the little girl is already speaking Bicolano  dialect, haha. She's definitely enjoying her stay with her grandma and in fact told me that she'll return here in Manila on March (2011?). I was like, no baby, you'll go home on Sunday so that we can celebrate my birthday together.

13 Weeks

Just a quick update...

I went to the maternity clinic this morning for my monthly pre-natal check. My baby is healthily growing at 13 weeks. My expected due date is November 12, 2010. I know it's still a long journey to the D Day and this makes this pregnancy more exciting. I will go back to the clinic on Tuesday for some laboratory examinations.

Happy weekend everyone!!! 

On Preschool, Pregnancy and Continuing Education

Thea is already enrolled in Kindergarten class in the preschool near our place. I already settled the payment for her books this morning. I'm so happy when the teacher who assisted me said that Thea will be admitted in Kinder. I feel like she a big girl now haha...Next in my to-do list is to purchase uniforms but we'll go there as soon as Thea arrive from her vacation. 

On the other hand, I might file a leave of absence (LOA) from graduate school. It will be quite difficult for me to travel from Makati to Diliman via public transport in this stage of my second pregnancy. I will try my best to go back next school year.