Iremit + Jollibee

I went to Iremit in Blacktown to send some money back home. I could have done the transfer online but because I was in the area anyway, I just went to their office.

While waiting for my transaction to be finalized, I saw this:

I didn't know that they have this service since 2009! They partnered with Jollibee and have a set menu that ranged from Php800 - 1,500. You can choose the package you want, pay it at current exchange rate plus $2 processing fee. They will then transmit your order to the nearest Jollibee branch who will then deliver it if the recipient is in Metro Manila, otherwise they will receive a call for the pickup time/ dine in time if in the province. This is such a brilliant idea, great way to surprise your loved ones!

Perfect timing for me, it's my nephews birthday last Sunday and I forgot to send a present for him. So, I ordered a package for the whole family to enjoy and it only cost me $36.70!

I can't wait for their feedback on Sunday!!!

I love giving surprises. ;)

How I wish we have Jollibee delivery to Australia too. :(

My MCN Stash

two in one One Size Fits Most (OSFM) nappies

My trial use of modern cloth nappies (MCN) was a success and I've decided to do it full time during the day when I am at home. Because I have the microfiber inserts, I need two inserts so I don't have to change hourly. With my initial stash, it meant I only have 6 nappies available for use and I have to wash them daily. So I've decided to increase my stash.

I checked EBay and Gumtree for China cheapies as I can't justify paying $30/nappy for Aussie made ones when the China-made does the same work. I got lucky and found $3 per nappy with insert included, and any additional insert will only cost me a dollar! How's that for a bargain. This particular seller also have printed nappies for $6 a piece, not bad at all. So I ordered enough nappies and inserts to enable me to do the laundry every two/three days.

Once you've used MCNs and shift to disposables, you'll notice how awful the 'sposies smell! Hopefully, I can get one or two night nappies so I can say goodbye to disposables for good. It's better for Abie's bum, better for our pocket and better for the environment too.

So far, I've spent $87 for my 16 nappies and 32 inserts. For washing, i use baking soda and vinegar so its really cheap! I also joined the Annual Cloth Nappy Hunt and hopefully, I'll win something from the sponsors (really eyeing the night nappies or even night boosters).

Cloth nappy is really easy to use and becoming popular nowadays. Why not try it on your next bub?

cute nappies 

Belated Father's Day Post

2/9/2012

Dear Daddy,

On your first Father's day, Mum and I would like to thank you
... for loving both of us;
... for taking good care of us;
... for playing with me all the time;
... for being the househusband the first few weeks of May;
... for being a good provider;
... for being you.

You are the best Dad in the world for us!

Labinglabing ka namo ni Mum Daddy. We love you to the moon and back.

Love, Abie

Six months on...

Dear Abie,

Today, you turned six months old. Mommy and Daddy are still amazed by how fast you've grown.


You're one spirited little girl. We love how you laugh, giggle, shriek and shout. You're one observant little girl. You stare at things as if trying to take everything in. You are very receptive, you always have been, even when you're still in Mom's tummy.

You love your Mom but your Dad lights up your world. What a playful little girl you've become. And your favorite playmate is your Dada. Yes, you're starting to talk --- Dada, baba, papa, mama --- in that order. You say Papa when you want to be played with, but cries Mama when you wanted to be held.

3 months      6 months

When Dad and I are talking, you also talk and join the conversation. It may sound gibberish to us but I know it meant something to you.

Your first tooth came out, the lower front tooth, and the second one is coming out. You may not be rolling yet but you sure wants to stand on your own two feet. You sit on your own for five seconds at the most but its only because you're interested more in playing than sitting. But I know you are capable of doing that so I am not stressed.


Although I am with you every hour of every day, I still miss you. You're growing so fast my love. But if I miss you, your Dad misses you more. And I know you miss him too. Your time together in the morning and evening is very precious to him (and to me). He can bring out the best laughter in you at the littlest effort. You respond well to him, you really do.

3 months        6 months

You like your TV (just like Mommy) but you love nature more. You get easily bored inside the house but once we are at the backyard, you can't get enough of what you're seeing.


Our lives have changed since having you. Our schedule revolves around you, you and you. Dinner with friends were replaced with weekend lunch, movie nights with tv/ laptop viewings. But we are not complaining and we don't want anything better.




Bitter sweet. That sums up what we felt as of the moment. We are sad that you're no longer the tiny baby we once held and rocked but at the same time happy that you are getting stronger and healthier and meeting all your milestones on time.

Happy 1/2 birthday Anak! You complete us. Life is more meaningful with you around. Always remember, we love you to the moon and back.

3 months        6 months

Thank you Lord!

You always hear our prayers.

We are forever grateful.

enjoying Yen's bday at Parramatta Park (thanks Chy for the photo)

childcare now assured --- welcome to CA Montessori baby Abie. Your slot is reserved for next year.

August is breastfeeding month

When I was still pregnant with Abie, I vowed to exclusively breastfed her. Not only is it cheaper but also the benefits are enormous.

Fast forward to the day I had her --- I successfully breastfed her at the hospital but I found that she was not latching properly as my nipple is quiet sore.

When I got home, it became very raw that my midwife advised me to express my milk to give my boobies a chance to heal. Also, she suggested that I use a nipple shield until my breast are better. I have a good supply, leaking at times so I did as suggested and used a nipple shield. Well, it actually resulted to lowering my supply (without me realizing it).

For the first two months, I exclusively breastfed Abie but she seems insatiable. There are nights that she is crying even after nursing, I attributed it to witching hour. Everytime I hold her, she will automatically go for my breast and wants to be fed! Agie suggested we supplement but I was adamant, I want to succeed in this!

I've been in and out of the medical centre weighing Abie but at her two months check, she didn't gain any weight (she had a very good weight gain for the first two weeks). She also don't have enough wet diaper that I am concerned she might get dehydrated. I called the ABA (Australian Breastfeeding Association) help line and also had a lactation consultant came over to help me with my supply issues. I did 'babymoon', I nursed non stop for an entire afternoon, pumped after feeding but it seems Abie is still  not getting enough.

Around May, after seeing a pediatrician, I decided to supplement. And after a few days, my baby is not crying as much. OMG! My baby was hungry all the time!!! She only takes two or three ounces at a time, and then will look for my boobies, well at least she still prefers me over formula (at her age, she should be taking 6 oz).

Abie is almost six months and still being mixed feed. Its easier at night because I don't have to get up to prepare milk for her. Because we're co-sleeping (her crib is beside our bed with one side removed so it looks like an extension), whenever I see her rooting for my boobies while sleeping, I would just move to her side and nurse her. Win-win situation for us!

I will continue to breastfeed as long as likes. And they are correct, it did get easier.

For future reference, here are resources I always checked when I was up at night feeding my baby:

La Leche League

Baby Centre Birth Club

Kellymom

Australian Breastfeeding Association

Modern Cloth Nappies

I've been doing nappy-free time for Abie daily for about 30 minutes because her bottom is a bit red. I've tried a number of nappies and there's really none that makes the redness go away.

Then last Monday, I noticed a small cut while changing her and decided right then and there to shift to cloth nappies when I'm just at home.

I went to EBay and found a reasonably priced Modern Cloth Nappy (MCN) - $40 for 10 pcs plus 12 inserts. They offered free delivery too so by Thursday I got the nappies, washed and dried them and we are trialling it now.

The MCNs are sooo cute! Thing is, it needs three washes to get the maximum absorption so I had to change it every hour. So far so good. I also got the nappy liner so when baby will do #2, I don't have to wash a poo-full MCN. The liners are cheap at $2.50 for 100 liners.

If this trial is successful, I will shift to MCN full time by ordering 10 more! It's cheaper than disposable in the long run and good for baby's bum and environment as well.

Hopefully I can say goodbye to red bum forever!!!

Check mylittleripple.com.au, that's where I got these cute nappies. I am also researching more about MCNs and there are tips and tricks on how to go about using these. 

What? My Baby is already five months?

I can't believe how time flies so fast!!! 

Don't blink or you will miss their milestones.

Cuddle as much as you can, sleep together as much as you can. 

They are only babies once. And before you know it, they will be crawling, walking. They will be independent and will not need you anymore, waaahhhh!!!

Baby Abie, please remember that Daddy and I love you very much and we will be here for you no matter what. 

my baby born at 3.05 kilos

2 day old and she's showing her cute smile already

First month - March 27, 2012

2nd month - April 27, 2012

3rd month - April 27, 2012

4th month- May 27, 2012

5th month - June 27, 2012

My birth story and more

My birthing story is traumatic for hubby and me, I don't want to relive it. Looking back, I couldn't believe Agie and I did it! The labour was long and dry but at soon as i had skin to skin contact with Abie, the pain of giving birth was almost gone. The most painful part was the stitches for my third-degree tear (and the drama that went with it) but since all the wounds are now healed, I can say bring on baby # 2! 😃

My contraction started on the 26th of Feb at around 6:00 am; went to the hospital at 6:00 pm and was told I am 8cn dilated. With 2cms more to go, I didn't ask for epidural. At 9:00 pm, a catheter was attached to me as i cant seem to pass urine! At 12mn, they broke my water and at 1:05 am I had my little one.

Weighing 3.05 kgs Arabella Gaile is the most wonderful thing that happened to us.

Mobile blogging

I just discovered you.

I am so happy I can now blog about baby Abie, Yehey!!!

I missed blogging

There are too many stories to tell but right now, my focus is caring for my baby girl.

Arabella Gaile, born on the 27th of February is our life now.

I will certainly do a detaild post very soon.

Bye for now, baby is calling me. ;-)

2nd Day of Maternity Leave

Today is my second day of maternity leave. I spent most of the day surfing the net but have to walk around from time to time as Bub doesn't like me sitting for a long time. 

Last night, I had sharp, sudden pains on my pelvic that lasted for an hour (on and off). I thought the Baby wants to come out so I started to time the contractions. Just when I had my phone with me, ready to time the intervals, it stopped.

Today, my pregnancy tracker is telling me I have one week and one day more to go. But anything can happen. I should write down everything I want to ask my midwife, she is visiting me tom (I changed my pregnancy care to Midwifery Group Practice so instead of me going to the hospital everytime, its my midwife who visits me at home and will continue the visits after the baby is born, cool!).

Because my labour is imminent, I asked my sisters how their labour went. My yoga teacher told me that generally, you would have similar experience with your siblings. Our eldest told me she had a long labour (17 hours) and I remembered my niece being born conehead because she had to be vacuumed out. On the other hand, my younger sister said she laboured for only an hour! An hour, imagine??? She said during the course of her pregnancy, she was forced to exercise as her classroom (she is a Teacher) was at the third floor of their building. The exercise did her well and she had an easy labour. So now I don't know what mine would be like, I am scared but excited and looking forward to it at the same time. I think, when you're almost at the end of your pregnancy, all these thoughts occupy your head.

Oh well...

I can manage, we will manage. Everything will be okay. So help me God.

I need to bake now coz I am hungry!!!

8th Month

This is my 8th month photo, I am so huge (or my tummy that is) I am about to burst. =) I am enjoying this last month of my pregnancy because I know, anytime soon, our Baby Abi will come out na. Its more difficult to sleep now, my tummy's heavier, my trip to the loo more frequent but I am not complaining. As long as baby is safe and sound, everything is bearable.

I was silently stressing about my parents visa and have already accepted the fact that Agie and I will have to manage baby Abi on our own. Some of my friends parent's visa were granted a bit late while one is still waiting for it to be approved since lodging last October. Since my mom had their application picked up only last January 7th, I don't want to push them to follow-up this 'early' because I know she is so busy with school work.

Yesterday, she texted me asking about the tickets and I told her I will only buy it when they get their visa. And her reply was --- But we arleady have the visa since January!!! I texted you and was surprised you never replied to me.

Hahaha, all along they got their passport back two weeks after --- with 20 January as grant date for a one year multiple entry visa with a 3-month max stay per entry (we only applied for a 3 month single entry so this is a bonus!). I told her I never received her message and all the time we exchanged sms' the visa was never mentioned. My sisters never said anything when we talked because they all assumed I knew (all I really know was that my Mom asked me to book their flights on Feb 25 in the hope that my brother from Saudi can get his vacation approved and be home before that date--- which is unlikely to happen now but that's another story).

Happy Friday for me, yahoo!!! And when we arrived home, I got a letter from Mr Postie saying I need to pick up my international package. My Medela Freestyle Breastpump has arrived, double yahoo!!! I have to buy this in the US as it cost twice as much if I buy it here (around $600, what a rip off!). Cherry highly recommended this pump and Nympha got one too. Because I intend to breastfeed as long as I am on maternity leave (10 months, baby!), it would be wise to invest in a good breastpump.

I am all set --- maternity bag all packed, baby checklist all ticked off, maternity leave to start next Friday, wohooo! Now all I need to do is continue with my breathing and yoga poses, pelvic exercises and be active while waiting for Baby Abi to show herself to the world. We can't wait...

Welcome 2012!!!

Thank you 2011

It was definitely a year full of blessings --- work, family and life in general.

CPA studies done (hubby is halfway there), promotion at work (hubby found a new one) and the two of us became 3 (or soon to be!!!)

As we bid the year goodbye, we welcome the new year with open arms --- more blessings, good health, and great friends!

2012, we will claim you as our year!

(photo grabbed from Facebook friends' post)

Pregnancy Update

I am now on my third trimester, and all is looking good. Baby is doing well in my tummy and she is so likot na, hehe. Below are some photos I took over the weeks.

 week 22

 week 23



week 23 

  week 26

week 24 

week 26

week 27 

week 27

I am getting bigger and bigger each day and stretch marks are starting to show at the bottom belly, di ko pala nalalagyan ng oil,hehehe.

3 more months to go...



Pregnancy Update: My 20th Week

How time flies, I am already in my 20th week of pregnancy. Halfway there but to quote my officemates  - "you still have to battle Summer". Haaay, I hope its not as hot as the one before but judging how spring is becoming, I don't think I will be lucky. One thing for sure, our portable airconditioner will be maximized to its full capacity LOL.

My updates for the week:

• Felt my Baby moved!!! The feeling is unexplainable --- weird but overwhelming at the same time. I now look forward to feeling each movement happen everyday. =)
• Had my second hospital visit and was told I gained 1 kg since last month --- a very good weight gain, yahoo!
• Baby is reacting in my tummy everytime I play Celine Dion's Lullaby. Very funny!
• I am still in search for our Baby's name --- need to get a name that starts with A and G.

Also, Tanya finally announced to everyone that she is preggy  --- 14 weeks, hahaha. I have a feeling we'll give birth simultaneously. Can't wait to see hear and exchange our pregnancy stories.

I will close this post with my 20th week photo taken just this morning. Sideview para makita ang bump. =)

The most sinful chocolate cake

After going to the market today, I made sure to grab 2 bars of Nestle Dark Chocolate from the baking aisle because I really wanted to bake the most sinful chocolate cake by Casa Veneracion. This recipe is on top of my list despite me not really a chocolate person. I wanted to bake this for hubby and see if its really as simple as the recipe suggests.

For my version, I used one bar of Nestle Plaistowe 70% Dark Chocolate, just over 175g of unsalted butter (I am trying to lessen the butter content), 1 cup of sugar, 2 heaping spoon of flour (hubby wanted a bit more flour than the 1 tbs suggested in the recipe) and 4 eggs. After mixing the ingredients, I then put in on my preheated fan-forced oven at 175C for 30 mins, and left it there for 10 mins with the oven turned off. After cooling my cake, I turned it upside down and saw a burnt bottom of the cake, I scraped the bottom and the picture below is the finished product. My mistake for the burnt bottom was that I didn't reduce the temperature (fan forced oven should be set lower than normal ones!). But it didn't affect the taste of the at all.

 my cake after scraping the burnt part

 so moist and fudgy

really really sinful!

I shared this one slice of cake with hubby and it was really really good! I don'y have a sweet tooth but this one hit the mark ---not too sweet and not too bready either. And believe me, its really sinful --- think about the sugar and butter content and you will think twice of eating over a slice of this cake. And since its only me and hubby, I told him to bring the cake to the office tom and share it with his officemate who are all chocoholics. Hmmm, I think I'm gonna bake this cake more often but not for our own consumption. =)

Thanks PinoyCook for the inspiration! You made my weekend a very fruitful (and tummy-full) one.

Cake orders anyone?





Grilled Saturday

I was feeling hungry by this afternoon because hubby and I only had boiled corn for lunch. I was silently doing an inventory of food in our fridge and realized that I only had 2 pcs of chicken thigh in there and we are not going to the market until tommorrow. Then I remembered I had 4 pcs of small eggplants, a pizza base and some shredded cheese so the idea of having a grilled eggplant pizza came to mind.

I brought out my stove-top griller and put it on high heat while turning on the oven at the same time. I then salted the sliced eggplant to remove some of its moisture, then basted it with olive oil. When the pan was hot enough, I put on the sliced eggplant, turning it once for that char-grilled look.

The pizza was then prepped, with fresh basil from the garden, cheese, grilled eggplant, a bit of chili flakes and some pepper. I then put in on my Pizza Stone - something I bought a long time ago but only used today.

After 10 mins, the pizza is ready for eating. And its soooo delish!!! I will definitely make this more often, not as fattening as my meat-based pizza.



yummy grilled eggplant pizza cooked in my very own Pizza Stone

 nice grilled marks on my eggplant

Because my griller is still hot, I want to make full use of it. I checked my freezer and there's a Kransky (some kind of sausage which is really yummy!) inside. I defrosted it in the microwave for a minute, sliced and grilled it.

 yummy Kransky. I now have two tapas. =)

To make my grilling worthwhile, I took out the chicken thigh, defrosted it a bit, then rubbed dry spice (lemon pepper spice) and salt to it then off to the griller. The smell coming from the kitchen is so divine. I want to have dinner at 4pm! But because of the pizza we ate, we have to wait for 6pm to have my grilled dishes.

grilled chicken rubbed with dry spice.

All these cooking made me want to create a food blog, haaay... Last weekend, while homealone, I cooked these three dishes I got from my new fave food blog Casa Veneracion. Yum, yum, yum!!!

tuna spring roll.

 beef salpicao

creamy baked chicken and potatos with yogurt (instead of cream)

There are still a number of dishes from her site that I really want to try, I have a list and one day I can tick off everything from that list. =)

So, what's cooking in your kitchen this Saturday afternoon?



A letter to our little one

Dear Baby,

You are 19 weeks and 1 day (in gestational age) today. Your Dad and I were really happy to see you again this morning and couldn’t wait any longer for the 1st of March to come.

Seeing you today at the Sydney Ultrasound for Women was a breath of fresh air from our chaotic month end activities. I am thankful that I lived in this technological age where I can see you in 4D inside my tummy. You were so cute when you had your arms over your head, just like me when I am sleeping. We saw your limbs, your eyes and nose (and Daddy said you have a very ‘matangos’ nose just like Mommy hehehe). And when we wanted to check your gender, you crossed your legs, cheeky little baby. Though not 100% sure, the sonographer said that you are my little girl, my mini-me.

How time flies baby, we are halfway through this journey and you know what, my good friend is also pregnant although she didn’t know that she is 14 weeks on the way already. There are so many things she needs to do but I will be here to guide her, and when her baby will arrive, I’m sure she/he will be your best buddy as well. You two will look after each other Baby okay?


At this stage my Angel, I am not sure if what I am feeling was your kicking and jumping but I am sure I will fully feel your movements in the next few days. Seeing you earlier waving at us and kicking is such a joy. And the confirmation that all is well with you is indeed a blessing --- something we continue to thank and pray to God.

My pregnancy book is telling me that you can hear our voices already. I hope you like the music I am playing every night before we go to bed and you also enjoy our conversations together. I treasure these moments, our bond as mom and daughter just began. Sometimes, I think, you also look forward to hearing your Dad’s voice because I can feel the sudden pressure at my lower ribs when I am walking towards his office at 5:00 pm everyday last week! And he enjoys talking to you as much as I do.

 4D photo of you my little one.

Little girl, please continue to be brave inside Mum’s tummy okay? Remember, we love you so so much, we prayed for you, our family and friends prayed for you. You are surrounded with love from the moment you were conceived. A grand party is awaiting your arrival my Princess.




Hugs and kisses.

Mommy and Daddy