Should I say, hospitals. The past two weeks was sick sick sick for many of us in the family. And I thought Aren’s febrile convulsion was the last I had to see of the ER.
The viruses were very active, that we were actually misdiagnosed the first time.
Sunday Nov28, Renzo developed sores on his hands and around his mouth. The UDMC ER diagnosed him with herpes simplex, a disease he has had when he was still a baby.
Tuesday Nov30, I developed red splotches on my back and thighs. I was given anti-itch meds and lotion.
That night, Aren and Ria developed on-off high fever. They probably caught the virus while we were waiting in UDMC. They were monitored and given paracetamol in their respective houses.
Wednesday Dec1, my rashes had spread to my neck and arms so I went to the Capitol Medical ER for some tests. I was given a medical certificate for measles and was asked to isolate myself from others, 2-3 days of bedrest.
That day, Renzo developed very bad diarrhea that he could not leave the house for further tests. Ria was taken to the pedia to be checked. She was diagnosed with the same disorder as her brother.
That night, Aren had developed rashes at his back.
Thursday Dec2, I was still on bedrest. My body was weak and I had no appetite. Renzo was taken to the National Children’s Hospital Infectious Diseases Center, where he was diagnosed to have HFMD, or hand-foot-mouth disease. This explained why he had no rashes in other parts of his body.
That same afternoon, Rands took Aren to the Valucare clinic in Capitol Medical, where, after blood test, a pedia diagnosed him with roseola infantum, and was given antibiotics.
My other nephew had been staying in our house that week, so we had to send him home that night for him to avoid the virus.
Friday Dec3, Ria had started to show the same symptoms of HFMD. She had contracted it from her brother probably for sharing a drink.
Saturday Dec4, I had my follow up at the Valucare clinic in Capitol, where a derma told me that I did not have measles all along! That I missed holding my son for three days for nothing! Although my condition was still a mystery, because my skin was very red, but the blood test did not reflect any significant disorder, except for a virus. She gave me antibiotics, steroids, and anti-itch, and scheduled me for a followup after one week.
The week that followed consisted of mainly round the clock medicines. Aren’s rashes are slowly fading. My skin is still peeling in most parts, even in my scalp!! I’ve been shedding all around the house and office, and it’s very itchy!! Ria’s and Renzo’s dried skin was tougher --- my sister said she had to use nail clipper to trim it off!! I cannot imagine!
I cannot stress this enough…… please please take care of your health. Viruses have become more mutant, and they can strike anywhere anytime, especially when your body is at is most vulnerable. Eat healthy and rest well, take supplements if necessary. Our loved ones would need us, so we have to stay healthy (and sane!) for them.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
1st (and hopefully the last!) convulsion scare
It was a lesson learned the hard way. I had to admit that I was largely at fault for what turned out to be the scariest weekend I’ve ever had in my life so far.
Thursday, November 18
I came home that night and found Aren and tatay watching tv as usual. Around 7pm, we felt that he was a little feverish, but he did not seem pale or weak. We decided not to give him his nightly shower, not even sponge bath. At 9pm after his pre-sleep milk, we took his temperature and recorded 39.1. Rands asked me, “Di pa ba natin bibigyan ng gamot?” I said, “Observe muna natin,” and recorded his temperature in a notebook. Aren fell asleep then.
At around 10pm when we were about to sleep, we took his temp again and this time recorded a 38.6. I don’t know what the hell came over me that I did not even bother to give him paracetamol! I still just recorded that in the notebook and went to sleep, probably half-thinking that it would still go down that night.
Friday, November 19
I woke up suddenly and Rands was hovering over Aren. Then I saw a horrifying scene: my almost two-year-old baby still lying on the bed, had his shaking arms stretched up in the air, fists clenched, whole body shaking, eyes rolling up, making soft grunting sounds. Rands was calling to him, in an effort to make the shaking stop. My instinct made me pick him up and hold him close to me, then I felt his body was very very hot. I glanced at the clock: it was 1:30am.
Rands woke my parents up and ran to get a basin of water and a spoon to put in Aren’s mouth. The shaking stopped after a few minutes (it could’ve been seconds, I don’t remember), and we decided to rush him to the hospital. I was holding him while Rands ran to get a taxi and my mom put his bag together and my dad was wiping his arms with cold towel. I was hugging him and talking to him, practically begging him to respond, but his eyes were a blank stare.
When the taxi came, my mom took Aren and wrapped him in a blanket while Rands and I got dressed and put together a bag. We decided to take him to UDMC, where my pregnancy and childbirth records were. At the taxi, we were trying to stimulate his reaction by talking to him the whole time, but he was still staring. Then he vomited in the blanket.
In the emergency room, when I put him down on the bed, he started to cry and shouted “Mommy!” It was my first smile since the incident! It only meant that he was well enough to react to stimulus already! They inserted a suppository for his fever and it immediately went down. I removed the puke-stained shirt and blanket, and they gave me a hospital gown. It was my first time to see a hospital gown so small, and it was on my baby!
Thursday, November 18
I came home that night and found Aren and tatay watching tv as usual. Around 7pm, we felt that he was a little feverish, but he did not seem pale or weak. We decided not to give him his nightly shower, not even sponge bath. At 9pm after his pre-sleep milk, we took his temperature and recorded 39.1. Rands asked me, “Di pa ba natin bibigyan ng gamot?” I said, “Observe muna natin,” and recorded his temperature in a notebook. Aren fell asleep then.
At around 10pm when we were about to sleep, we took his temp again and this time recorded a 38.6. I don’t know what the hell came over me that I did not even bother to give him paracetamol! I still just recorded that in the notebook and went to sleep, probably half-thinking that it would still go down that night.
Friday, November 19
I woke up suddenly and Rands was hovering over Aren. Then I saw a horrifying scene: my almost two-year-old baby still lying on the bed, had his shaking arms stretched up in the air, fists clenched, whole body shaking, eyes rolling up, making soft grunting sounds. Rands was calling to him, in an effort to make the shaking stop. My instinct made me pick him up and hold him close to me, then I felt his body was very very hot. I glanced at the clock: it was 1:30am.
Rands woke my parents up and ran to get a basin of water and a spoon to put in Aren’s mouth. The shaking stopped after a few minutes (it could’ve been seconds, I don’t remember), and we decided to rush him to the hospital. I was holding him while Rands ran to get a taxi and my mom put his bag together and my dad was wiping his arms with cold towel. I was hugging him and talking to him, practically begging him to respond, but his eyes were a blank stare.
When the taxi came, my mom took Aren and wrapped him in a blanket while Rands and I got dressed and put together a bag. We decided to take him to UDMC, where my pregnancy and childbirth records were. At the taxi, we were trying to stimulate his reaction by talking to him the whole time, but he was still staring. Then he vomited in the blanket.
In the emergency room, when I put him down on the bed, he started to cry and shouted “Mommy!” It was my first smile since the incident! It only meant that he was well enough to react to stimulus already! They inserted a suppository for his fever and it immediately went down. I removed the puke-stained shirt and blanket, and they gave me a hospital gown. It was my first time to see a hospital gown so small, and it was on my baby!
Aren in the ER in a small hospital gown and oxygen mask
While Rands filled out forms, the residents were asking us routine questions about the incident. Somebody asked, “Anong oras yung huling paracetamol nya?” I was horrified! I hadn’t given him paracetamol at all! I realized at that point that I could’ve prevented the whole thing if I had listened to Rands about giving it! I felt so guilty!
We were told that usually when it was the first episode of convulsion, they advised admitting the patient for monitoring. We did not think twice, Rands secured us a room using Aren’s healthcard. Then they said they had to attach an IV to his little hand! I did not dare look while they did, I was just whispering calmly to Aren the whole time. The resident asked for a spare diaper to put over his hand so he would not play with the needle. We called it his Manny Pacquiao glove.
Aren's Manny Pacquiao glove (a diaper over his IV)
Aren was so cranky that I put him to sleep while waiting for our turn in the x-ray. They also asked us to put the oxygen mask on him. After only a few minutes of sleep, we had to be wheeled to the x-ray. Rands and I were asked to wear blue heavy suits for protection, while we restrained Aren on the flat surface (I wouldn’t call it a bed at all!). We were just telling him that it will be one big camera and he had to smile. As expected, we could not hold him still, so the procedure had to be repeated. To think that a front and lateral x-ray had to be taken! Aren was so stressed! Luckily, he was calmer during the second take, so the technician was able to get a better shot.
After that, we were wheeled to the 6th floor. Our room was a small private, and we were told that we were in priority waitlist for the big private. For the hours that followed, Aren would be able to fall asleep, but then had to be woken up for temp-taking or an oral dose of paracetamol, which had to be given round the clock. He was also given a regular dose of diazepam, an anti-seizure drug, through his IV.
We were told that Aren was not supposed to be given any food or drink because he would be due for a blood test at 8am. But he woke up again at around 5am, his usual milk time. He was crying uncontrollably, so we tried to distract him. I went to the nurse station to ask if it was possible for us to give him just a small amount, and the resident conceded, but to 4oz only, which was enough to put him back to sleep.
A nurse checked his IV and discovered that his arm was swelling due to the vein. Imagine my horror when they said they had to transfer the IV to his other hand! I was about to protest but they said the swelling might cause a fever, so they removed the needle from his left hand and he was temporarily IV-free. Lola Nits came with his Simba, books, and more supplies. Simba would help alleviate his anxiety during procedures, and reading books will pass the time as we did not have TV in the room.
Aren reading one of his favorite books
At around 8:30am, laboratory came to our room to draw blood. Again, it was just a little prick on the left ring finger, but I did not dare look. A little later, they asked me to take him to the nurse station treatment room so they can attach the IV to his right hand. When I put him on the bed, they asked me to leave the room!! Again I was about to protest, but good thing, there was a small gap in the glass, so I was able to see what they were doing inside. Apart from the prick, Aren was behaved, and the resident told me so. I was smiling as I watched.
Where the first IV used to be, and the prick on his fingertip for blood test
That day, it was mostly routine temperature checks and administration of medicines. Some of our relatives came, and we were able to take a short nap. Aren was irritable most of the day. It was so hard to restrain him especially with the IV; it would backflow often. In the afternoon, he asked for pancit and we fed him for as long as he was eating! We didn’t know when he would have such an appetite again!
Very hungry but very groggy (very cute)
He was given his last dose of diazepam and paracetamol before we went to sleep that night. The temp checks were the funniest --- Aren did not register higher than 37 degrees at all! Rands slept beside him on the bed and I on the bench which I pulled near the bed.
Saturday, November 20
Aren under a drop light to heat up his body
I asked for several changes of hospital gown because Aren would be drenched in sweat often. The shirts we had were no good because the IV bottle did not fit the armhole. In the morning, Aren and tatay woke up late and had a few bites to eat. The residents told us that the x-ray was negative for respiratory problems, the blood test was negative for infection, and his urine was cleared too. After reading his books, Aren was napping again. This gave us time to fix the billing.
When the pedia came in, I asked if we could be discharged already. We were running out of supplies. Besides, his fever did not rise and all his tests were negative. She prescribed us with paracetamol for temp of 37.5, and ibuprofen for temp of 38.5. Needless to say, we had to take his temperature round the clock.
We came home to Ate Ria and Lola’s spaghetti waiting for us. As soon as he saw the TV and his toys, he went wild with excitement! But we had to hold him because he was still a bit groggy from the meds. It was as if he was not well-coordinated yet. Tatay researched for sites on febrile convulsion, and we learned a lot of many things about it.
Sunday, November 21
Aren’s temp registered between 35 -36 plus throughout the night and the following day. We did not leave the house to even go to church because we wanted him to rest. We did not even allow him out of the house. We noticed that his balance has not returned to normal pre-seizure. We started to worry because he was irritable as he was in the hospital. When he threw tantrums, it was as if the meds made him mutant! We could hardly contain him!
As of this writing, Aren’s balance has returned. We excitedly greeted him, “Welcome back!” We sent him out of the house to play. We had given him a bath. I myself was able to take my much needed bath (my last was Thursday morning! That was why the shampoo did not lather at all! Hahahahha)
Once again, the lessons…. The very important learnings from the experience:
- NUMBER 1: a temperature of 37 plus is already high for toddlers! Give paracetamol at the onset of fever! By all means, do everything to keep the fever down, including spongebath with cold water, not with alcohol that may raise the fever.
- Do not attempt to stop the seizure while it is occurring (yes, we did this!) because it will subside naturally, just make sure that your baby does not injure himself: clear his surroundings of heavy or sharp objects, support his head from a hard surface, do not put a spoon in his mouth (yes we did this too!) because he might bite it hard and break his teeth.
- If your baby vomits or mucus or saliva accumulates in his mouth, turn him to his side so he doesn’t choke on it. This is also to let his tongue drop and not block his airway.
- Rush him to the nearest hospital. Always have an emergency bag prepared, with baby’s clothes, diapers, burp clothes, etc. Always put water in your feeding bottles and milk in your dispensers (if you’re not exclusively breastfeeding).
- Always keep important documents in your wallet and bag (such as healthcard and emergency phone numbers). Always keep your phone charged (yes both of our phones were drained, as in drained…). Always keep a small amount of extra cash at home.
- There is a history of convulsions in Rands' side of the family, and boys are more prone to them than girls. We can have another episode of fever-induced seizure until he is around 6 years old.
- We will have him checked for any symptom of seizures that is not fever-induced, which are more fatal.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
It’s starting
The moment he was able to say “mommy” as a single word (read: no pause between syllables), it started --- the “talking.” It is not quite like blabbering anymore, but not yet as clear as we speak it. However, we who are with him most of the time know exactly what he means. It’s amazing how he communicates with us; if a few months ago he would take our hand to lead us to where he wants to go or what he wants to do, now he can just “say” it to us and we would understand him.
I am simply amazed at this milestone. For the past weeks, he cannot stop “talking!” (I still keep the quotation marks because it is still not the talking as we know it, so let us not get confused here…) It is such a joy to communicate with him because I know in my heart that he understands me, and he replies or answers back. And it is not a “made-up” answer… it is a real reply, as in logical and reality-based!
To first time parents who have yet to experience this, let me share what I have learned so far:
-Do not underestimate your child’s ability to understand you. Even as early as weeks old, talk to him like you would to a normal adult. Narrate the day’s events to him. Even if he does not so much grunt or coo, just go on talking.
-When he gets a little older and starts to blabber, engage him in conversation, meaning ask him something and give him time to respond. Maintain eye contact, and sometimes, you can even exaggerate your movements and tone of voice. In time, he will get to learn to finish your sentences, as long as you give him response time. Never mind if they are just unintelligible sounds! This simply means your child is expressing his desire to communicate with you.
-When he learns to point, he will become more expressive. If you have picture books, point to him each picture and say the name. Sometimes, he will point and look at you to say the name of the picture. In time, he will point AND say the name, even if it is just the last syllable or just sounds like the real word.
-Make it a point to introduce new people by name. Bonus point for people who visit your child regularly or whom your child regularly sees or has contact with. In time, he will be calling them by the last syllable of their name, or something that sounds like. Tip: in the presence of your child, call the person how you want your child to call the person, e.g., Tatay, Lolo, Tita Gigi, etc.
Right now, Aren is in the last-syllable or sounds-like stage. Offhand, some of his one syllable words lately are dilk (milk hahah this is the cutest!), tay (tatay rands), bye, dit (pancit).
Some of his two syllable words aside from mommy are Iya (Ate Ria), Didi (Tita Gigi), rara (dog, my current project is to correct this!), bi-truh (big truck or other form of transpo), ba-uhm (bathroom), ee-ee (wee-wee).
Yes, he has three syllables, but these are just contracted forms: ba-ba-bus (bbye bus), boo-rara (peekaboo dog), mommy-tay (mommy and tatay), ya-ya-dig (yah yah tigidig-tigidig when playing horse with mommy or tatay).
I am amazed by the fact that I actually understand him even if his words may not mean anything to other people. If he “speaks” a new word, I ask him to point to it, or if it cannot be pointed to, I ask him to repeat it and I wrack my brains for what it may mean. Then most of the time, I get it. Then I smile… it means we have a connection… I understand him.
I am simply amazed at this milestone. For the past weeks, he cannot stop “talking!” (I still keep the quotation marks because it is still not the talking as we know it, so let us not get confused here…) It is such a joy to communicate with him because I know in my heart that he understands me, and he replies or answers back. And it is not a “made-up” answer… it is a real reply, as in logical and reality-based!
To first time parents who have yet to experience this, let me share what I have learned so far:
-Do not underestimate your child’s ability to understand you. Even as early as weeks old, talk to him like you would to a normal adult. Narrate the day’s events to him. Even if he does not so much grunt or coo, just go on talking.
-When he gets a little older and starts to blabber, engage him in conversation, meaning ask him something and give him time to respond. Maintain eye contact, and sometimes, you can even exaggerate your movements and tone of voice. In time, he will get to learn to finish your sentences, as long as you give him response time. Never mind if they are just unintelligible sounds! This simply means your child is expressing his desire to communicate with you.
-When he learns to point, he will become more expressive. If you have picture books, point to him each picture and say the name. Sometimes, he will point and look at you to say the name of the picture. In time, he will point AND say the name, even if it is just the last syllable or just sounds like the real word.
-Make it a point to introduce new people by name. Bonus point for people who visit your child regularly or whom your child regularly sees or has contact with. In time, he will be calling them by the last syllable of their name, or something that sounds like. Tip: in the presence of your child, call the person how you want your child to call the person, e.g., Tatay, Lolo, Tita Gigi, etc.
Right now, Aren is in the last-syllable or sounds-like stage. Offhand, some of his one syllable words lately are dilk (milk hahah this is the cutest!), tay (tatay rands), bye, dit (pancit).
Some of his two syllable words aside from mommy are Iya (Ate Ria), Didi (Tita Gigi), rara (dog, my current project is to correct this!), bi-truh (big truck or other form of transpo), ba-uhm (bathroom), ee-ee (wee-wee).
Yes, he has three syllables, but these are just contracted forms: ba-ba-bus (bbye bus), boo-rara (peekaboo dog), mommy-tay (mommy and tatay), ya-ya-dig (yah yah tigidig-tigidig when playing horse with mommy or tatay).
I am amazed by the fact that I actually understand him even if his words may not mean anything to other people. If he “speaks” a new word, I ask him to point to it, or if it cannot be pointed to, I ask him to repeat it and I wrack my brains for what it may mean. Then most of the time, I get it. Then I smile… it means we have a connection… I understand him.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A year after
Ondoy was a traumatic experience for many Filipino families. Mine was no exception. I was not able to write about it right after it happened because of the shock and disbelief; I was not even able to take photos for remembrance or for evidence, because everything happened so fast.
For us, it was just another typhoon, because we have grown quite used to the idea that nonstop rains meant that floodwaters would again be entering our house. As far as I can recall the events of that fateful Saturday morning of September 27, 2009:
· We had started to move our things up to the second floor when the rains fell; at 10am the floodwaters started coming into the house; the power was cut off when the waters reached the sockets.
· I wore then 8-month-old Aren in a carrier while I arranged things in the bedrooms to accommodate bigger items, and as my mom and our helper brought them up. We left the living and dining sets, heavy tables, the ref, and other stuff that were ok to sink in floodwaters.
· The waters steadily rose as the rains fell throughout the afternoon; we helplessly looked out the window at how high the floods in the streets were; good thing my phone was fully charged enough to be able to reply to calls and texts from tatay and concerned friends.
· Good thing we had a few supplies of biscuits and bread. We ate from paper plates on the second floor. Good thing, too, we have just sterilized Aren’s bottles the night before. I peed in his used diapers.
· When I scanned the first floor with a flashlight once, among the things I saw above the water were the LPG tank floating among other plastics, the top half of the main switch, part of the cupboards where I kept two big cans of Aren’s milk, top half of our framed decors.
· Good thing Aren was not walking then yet, or he would have insisted on going down! However, it was also hard to play with him on the bed the whole day to keep his attention, and stay awake just to fan him the whole night.
· By nightfall, the rains had slowed down but had not stopped completely. Our terrified neighbor was calling through the window for us not to leave her and her year-old grandson and helper behind.
· We heard people from the back apartment packing food and clothes and getting “picked up” with a large salbabida. Our other neighbor had also called for help and was picked up at around 7pm. It was then that we realized that if the rains did not stop, we could be trapped too. I had also started packing Aren’s bag, and my bag, and talking with my mother about our options for rescue.
· Luckily, the rains stopped at around 8pm, and the floodwaters started to subside shortly after. We just picked up the main furniture and gave the first floor a quick rinse and sweep, but we had to sleep to regain our energy for cleaning the next day.
Aren had no choice but to stay in the second floor with my mom for another day while we were cleaning. When the electricity was safe to use, we turned on the tv and saw telethons! It was then that I realized that it was a nationwide disaster! Not just a thing that we considered normal.
It took us days to clean up entirely. We had to throw away many items, as many other victims were forced to. Many of our sockets got busted. Our relatives in other parts of Quezon City were luckier than we were; some of them did not see a single inch of water inside their house. We started to develop a contingency plan; my mom said in another impending typhoon, she would take my baby and his bag to my sister’s in Tandang Sora. She did not want another Ondoy.
Neither did I. It was the main reason why we decided to leave the comfortable, ideally-located apartment that we stayed in for 35 years. I had a baby and my parents were not getting any younger. We can no longer afford to move our things from the first floor to the second floor everytime rains would start pouring. Our peace of mind was far more valuable. Despite the slightly more expensive rent, I have no regrets.
For us, it was just another typhoon, because we have grown quite used to the idea that nonstop rains meant that floodwaters would again be entering our house. As far as I can recall the events of that fateful Saturday morning of September 27, 2009:
· We had started to move our things up to the second floor when the rains fell; at 10am the floodwaters started coming into the house; the power was cut off when the waters reached the sockets.
· I wore then 8-month-old Aren in a carrier while I arranged things in the bedrooms to accommodate bigger items, and as my mom and our helper brought them up. We left the living and dining sets, heavy tables, the ref, and other stuff that were ok to sink in floodwaters.
· The waters steadily rose as the rains fell throughout the afternoon; we helplessly looked out the window at how high the floods in the streets were; good thing my phone was fully charged enough to be able to reply to calls and texts from tatay and concerned friends.
· Good thing we had a few supplies of biscuits and bread. We ate from paper plates on the second floor. Good thing, too, we have just sterilized Aren’s bottles the night before. I peed in his used diapers.
· When I scanned the first floor with a flashlight once, among the things I saw above the water were the LPG tank floating among other plastics, the top half of the main switch, part of the cupboards where I kept two big cans of Aren’s milk, top half of our framed decors.
· Good thing Aren was not walking then yet, or he would have insisted on going down! However, it was also hard to play with him on the bed the whole day to keep his attention, and stay awake just to fan him the whole night.
· By nightfall, the rains had slowed down but had not stopped completely. Our terrified neighbor was calling through the window for us not to leave her and her year-old grandson and helper behind.
· We heard people from the back apartment packing food and clothes and getting “picked up” with a large salbabida. Our other neighbor had also called for help and was picked up at around 7pm. It was then that we realized that if the rains did not stop, we could be trapped too. I had also started packing Aren’s bag, and my bag, and talking with my mother about our options for rescue.
· Luckily, the rains stopped at around 8pm, and the floodwaters started to subside shortly after. We just picked up the main furniture and gave the first floor a quick rinse and sweep, but we had to sleep to regain our energy for cleaning the next day.
Aren had no choice but to stay in the second floor with my mom for another day while we were cleaning. When the electricity was safe to use, we turned on the tv and saw telethons! It was then that I realized that it was a nationwide disaster! Not just a thing that we considered normal.
It took us days to clean up entirely. We had to throw away many items, as many other victims were forced to. Many of our sockets got busted. Our relatives in other parts of Quezon City were luckier than we were; some of them did not see a single inch of water inside their house. We started to develop a contingency plan; my mom said in another impending typhoon, she would take my baby and his bag to my sister’s in Tandang Sora. She did not want another Ondoy.
Neither did I. It was the main reason why we decided to leave the comfortable, ideally-located apartment that we stayed in for 35 years. I had a baby and my parents were not getting any younger. We can no longer afford to move our things from the first floor to the second floor everytime rains would start pouring. Our peace of mind was far more valuable. Despite the slightly more expensive rent, I have no regrets.
Monday, October 04, 2010
The sweetest sound
I got a ym the other day while I was at work...
Rands: matutuwa ka kay Aren pag-uwi mo
Nades: bakit?
Rands: buo nya na yung “ma-mi”
(in my previous posts I have been open in saying that Aren has not been talking clearly yet, and that I am not worried [yet]. Since he was about 15 months, he has been saying “ma” to refer to me.)
Needless to say, it made my day. Early as it was, I was excited to go home. Finally, it was the moment... Rands asked Aren that night, “sino daw ‘to?" (pointing to me)...
...Aren: “Di yan” (scuttles away)
Yes, the bubble was burst... Aren has learned to say “di yan” earlier than the other words, so he uses that expression often, but it’s cute sometimes. Just not when he is being asked to say “mommy” though. So we didn’t push it. We know him better.
Two nights later, when I came home, he digs into my bag and finds my ID. We were all watching the news, when suddenly i heard it, “Ma-mee.”
My heart leapt!
It took a second for me to realize it, but I’m sure I heard it. He was looking at my picture and recognized me. All I was able to say was “woooooow!” and I hugged him.
It was the sweetest sound I have ever heard in years. Wow, so that was what it felt like...
Since then, he has said it a couple or so times a day. Not really to call me, but when Rands points to my picture and asks him who that is.
No matter... he doesn’t have to call me because my attention is all his every day that I am home.
When my sister heard it, she said, “naku once nagstart na yan marunong magsabi ng mommy...”
I know what she means. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, but so far, I’m loving this new development.
Rands: matutuwa ka kay Aren pag-uwi mo
Nades: bakit?
Rands: buo nya na yung “ma-mi”
(in my previous posts I have been open in saying that Aren has not been talking clearly yet, and that I am not worried [yet]. Since he was about 15 months, he has been saying “ma” to refer to me.)
Needless to say, it made my day. Early as it was, I was excited to go home. Finally, it was the moment... Rands asked Aren that night, “sino daw ‘to?" (pointing to me)...
...Aren: “Di yan” (scuttles away)
Yes, the bubble was burst... Aren has learned to say “di yan” earlier than the other words, so he uses that expression often, but it’s cute sometimes. Just not when he is being asked to say “mommy” though. So we didn’t push it. We know him better.
Two nights later, when I came home, he digs into my bag and finds my ID. We were all watching the news, when suddenly i heard it, “Ma-mee.”
My heart leapt!
It took a second for me to realize it, but I’m sure I heard it. He was looking at my picture and recognized me. All I was able to say was “woooooow!” and I hugged him.
It was the sweetest sound I have ever heard in years. Wow, so that was what it felt like...
Since then, he has said it a couple or so times a day. Not really to call me, but when Rands points to my picture and asks him who that is.
No matter... he doesn’t have to call me because my attention is all his every day that I am home.
When my sister heard it, she said, “naku once nagstart na yan marunong magsabi ng mommy...”
I know what she means. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, but so far, I’m loving this new development.
Monday, September 27, 2010
sad farewell
this month i finally gave it up... i finally admitted to myself that it is truly gone... forever...
my good ol' digicam has finally retired.
it was the newest release of canon when i bought it (well, charged it to my cousin's credit card is more like it). the ixus izoom. circa 2006.
it took a whole lot of photos in its heyday. when i got it, we snap-happy girls at the office went crazy over the multiple-shots setting. we learned how to pose slightly differently for 10 consecutive shots!
it was part of every special occasion in the office, among our relatives, even among rands' relatives. it has travelled far and wide, the farthest was singapore last year. it was indispensable. it was compact and light, had a neck-chain, very convenient.
until a few years ago when my officemates started having their own cameras. my izoom started to "lie low." then it became active again when aren was born. it played a very important part in aren's life since day 1. we took photos and videos of him everyday using that digicam.
however, i also abused it somehow. i just slipped it in my bag or pocket sometimes without the case. when aren was old enough to be able to grasp it, heaven forbid what he does to it.
a few months ago it started to crank out. the lens did not open anymore when i turned the camera on, so i had to "pull" it out. oh my heart bleeds everytime i did, but it was the only way we can get to use it.
until slowly by the day, it refused to open... the last time i remember using it was during rands' birthday (september 4)... after that, it was just sitting at the dresser. no one paying any attention to it, not even aren who used to beg me to let him have it.
feb23 2010: please pardon my speaking lines here, the point is that i was trying to deviate aren's attention, who was trying to grab the camera from my hand!
im so sad. it seems a part of me has died. my ixus izoom was a witness to most of my recent special memories. it was able to capture them beautifully.
recently we have resorted to using the cellphone to take pics and vids of aren...but they are never quite the same as those taken by my izoom.
thanks for all the wonderful memories.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
buwan ng wika
august is buwan ng wika, and in true pinoy fashion, our school culminates it with a day where all students and employees dress up in "kasuotang pilipino."
being real troupers that we are, our office "karirs" it. (hehe if there is such a word...) in fact, yours truly even won the best in costume once...and to think i didn't even put in too much effort on the accessories... :)
this may be a little late, but i'm kinda proud that the filipino departments organize this every year. our students have to be made aware of and appreciate the filipino language and everything in our culture and history.
2008 (i was around 4 months pregnant here. i wore my mom's filipiniana costume when she was younger)
2009 (the dress i wore was like also my cousin's ball costume in the states and sent it here thru balikbayan box)
2010 (we went for the muslim-inspired look this year)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Automatic
There are some things that we try so hard to teach our kids (or unteach for that matter), to the point that we drive our own selves crazy. And then there are some things that just happen by themselves…
-When he started eating on his high chair when he was around 9 months old, I used to give him little pieces of crackers or bread so he can practice picking them up with his fingers from his bowl, but they’d often fall. Then one day after a few months, it just happened! He can pick up cornflakes, pancit canton, even rice with his pincers!
-I remember when he was over a year old, when we asked him to “point” or “clap”, his index did not quite protrude, or his palms did not quite hit each other, but after a few months, they just happened! We now call him “Boy Turo” among other terms of endearment, and he claps everytime he hears anybody say “yehey” or “very good”.
Aren pointing and clapping
-Pacifiers used to be a staple in the house. He could not sleep without them, and when he woke up, he would get up and look for them and put them in his mouth and fall back asleep. Instead of soothing his gums on hard toys, we gave it to him during the day as well. Just as I was wondering until when we had to buy him pacifiers, when he was 17 months, he “overchewed” on his last one until it had a hole, so we had to throw it away. I was not able to buy a new one right away, and when my mom did after a few days, he didn’t like it anymore. He was literally spitting it out of his mouth! Talk about effortless weaning!
-We bought him a toothbrush set when he was 18 months old and had 8 front teeth, but for the life of us, we could not get it past his mouth! The bell in the handle didn’t help get his attention! Like many other parents, the baby shut his mouth firmly, and we did not want to subject him to traumatic brushing sessions, so we gave up for a while, never mind if he did develop a little stain on one of his teeth and unpleasant-smelling laway. A few weeks later, I just handed it to him again, and it just happened… he just automatically put it in his mouth! (of course I still had to help him really clean his teeth now) He loves brushing now!
These are just some things I can think of now, and I’m not referring to the other things such as talking and toilet training and eating by himself with a spoon and writing, because such things fall under the category “let nature takes its course, but let’s not forget to expose the kids to stimulation and practice.” Yup, that’s exactly what I’m doing now…
-When he started eating on his high chair when he was around 9 months old, I used to give him little pieces of crackers or bread so he can practice picking them up with his fingers from his bowl, but they’d often fall. Then one day after a few months, it just happened! He can pick up cornflakes, pancit canton, even rice with his pincers!
-I remember when he was over a year old, when we asked him to “point” or “clap”, his index did not quite protrude, or his palms did not quite hit each other, but after a few months, they just happened! We now call him “Boy Turo” among other terms of endearment, and he claps everytime he hears anybody say “yehey” or “very good”.
Aren pointing and clapping
-Pacifiers used to be a staple in the house. He could not sleep without them, and when he woke up, he would get up and look for them and put them in his mouth and fall back asleep. Instead of soothing his gums on hard toys, we gave it to him during the day as well. Just as I was wondering until when we had to buy him pacifiers, when he was 17 months, he “overchewed” on his last one until it had a hole, so we had to throw it away. I was not able to buy a new one right away, and when my mom did after a few days, he didn’t like it anymore. He was literally spitting it out of his mouth! Talk about effortless weaning!
Aren and tatay sleeping (one of my favorite pics of all time)
-We bought him a toothbrush set when he was 18 months old and had 8 front teeth, but for the life of us, we could not get it past his mouth! The bell in the handle didn’t help get his attention! Like many other parents, the baby shut his mouth firmly, and we did not want to subject him to traumatic brushing sessions, so we gave up for a while, never mind if he did develop a little stain on one of his teeth and unpleasant-smelling laway. A few weeks later, I just handed it to him again, and it just happened… he just automatically put it in his mouth! (of course I still had to help him really clean his teeth now) He loves brushing now!
Little stained tooth
These are just some things I can think of now, and I’m not referring to the other things such as talking and toilet training and eating by himself with a spoon and writing, because such things fall under the category “let nature takes its course, but let’s not forget to expose the kids to stimulation and practice.” Yup, that’s exactly what I’m doing now…
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Updates
July has been kinda hectic for our family because my mom’s relatives have come from different parts of the world for a vacation, to celebrate my lola’s 20th death anniversary, and to hold (hopefully the first of many!) a grand Oliveros-Ocampo family reunion.
I (along with my other cousin) emceed the event in Kamayan-Saisaki West Avenue. The best part? The eat-all-you-can baby! Just kidding… getting to see all our relatives in one rare gathering, of course! (but the dessert area is a very close runner-up…)
Aren and Ate Ria dancing to Bad Romance at the reunion
Aren and Ate Ria dancing to Bad Romance at the reunion
Schedules were crazy as everyone wanted the balikbayans to sleep over their houses or at least drop by for lunch or meryenda, or take the kids out, or shop for pasalubongs.
My mom's balikbayan relatives visit our new apartment
As for Aren, here are his updates at 18 1/2 months:
- 33 inches tall, 30 lbs heavy, 27 size feet (they are huge!)
- Still drinks Enfagrow A+ every at least 6 hours. Eats any solid food. Loves Welch’s grape juice (at least whatever amount I dilute in his water.) Still to master drinking from a sippy cup or regular cup.
- Has broken his high chair just last night. Waiting for our table and chair set from EQ Dry! Woohoo! Will train to eat by himself using spoon and fork and suction bowl when the set comes.
- Has completed his incisor (front) teeth already, but his first molars are already sprouting before his canines! My sister said he will likely be sungki or have spaces in between them because of this. Brushes his teeth by himself now! (well, putting his toothbrush into his mouth at least) he loves his Sansfluo! 
- Has recently finished a 5-day Disudrin medication for colds.
- Loves taking a bath and showers.
- Loves looking out of his bedroom window to observe people.
- Still uses large size EQ Dry. Not potty trained yet (will start maybe at two years).- Loves to run around and climb whatever he can get on top of.
- I have lost track of how many words he knows already. I am amazed at how much he understands of what we say. I am overwhelmed. Although he has yet to learn to speak clear words, he can already sign most of what he wants to say, he can point, he can speak in syllables. He practices with us most of the day!I keep saying that my indicator that he is no longer a baby is when he learns to talk clearly. With that, I’m not in a hurry for him to learn just yet… :)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
harrowing experience
mrt commuters would know the rush hour experience, i.e., 6-8am and 5-7pm. they would also know that segregation has been in practice since a few years back (not sure of the exact dates though), meaning the first coach is reserved for females, and males who are senior citizens, physically disabled, accompanying children or pregnant women.
since i moved to tandang sora last month, i have become one of the mrt statistics. and im loving every day i ride the train. i always enter through the 2nd door from the front. my station in quezon avenue is just second from the 1st stop, so most of the time, i get to sit (and even safely sleep!) throughout my entire ride to magallanes.
last week, though, i was forced to do the unthinkable. as i was getting past the turnstile, a vacant train was coming in. if i wanted to secure a seat, i had to run all the way to the 2nd door before the warning buzzers go off. but i didnt feel like running, so i just walked my normal pace. i was already near the 1st coach, but i hadnt heard the buzzer yet. a split-second decision made me jump into the 1st door of the 2nd coach (read: males'). i hit the door just as it was closing, and it almost closed in on my arm (or was it hand?).
it was a vacant train, so there were only a handful of males seated. then somebody motioned to me, and i was so relieved to see a female passenger! when we reached the 3rd station, more male passengers came in, but it was in cubao station when it was really the mob! i moved closer to the female passenger as if in helplessness. i even overheard one guy say, "mga lalaki naman lahat eh... pasok!" apparently he was still at the door and wanted to push everybody inside so he can get in. they had probably been waiting at the station for some time.
i just bowed my head and closed my eyes. it was then that i felt a little scared. these were all guys! the only other female there was seated beside me, and i was secretly praying that she doesnt get off before i do! the guy standing in front of me was polite enough to keep his personal space from me, but at times, i felt his knees brushed against mine. it felt really uncomfortable!
super lucky for me, my seatmate was also to get off at magallanes, so she even served as my 'shield' against the male passengers who were still standing. in fact, the train was still almost full, unlike in the female section. i didnt want to be pushing or brushing against them. when i finally got out of the train, i vowed to myself never to take the males' coach again... for all intents and purposes, when an empty train comes into the station while you are still at the turnstile, run!! or walk leisurely and simply wait for the next train to arrive.
since i moved to tandang sora last month, i have become one of the mrt statistics. and im loving every day i ride the train. i always enter through the 2nd door from the front. my station in quezon avenue is just second from the 1st stop, so most of the time, i get to sit (and even safely sleep!) throughout my entire ride to magallanes.
last week, though, i was forced to do the unthinkable. as i was getting past the turnstile, a vacant train was coming in. if i wanted to secure a seat, i had to run all the way to the 2nd door before the warning buzzers go off. but i didnt feel like running, so i just walked my normal pace. i was already near the 1st coach, but i hadnt heard the buzzer yet. a split-second decision made me jump into the 1st door of the 2nd coach (read: males'). i hit the door just as it was closing, and it almost closed in on my arm (or was it hand?).
it was a vacant train, so there were only a handful of males seated. then somebody motioned to me, and i was so relieved to see a female passenger! when we reached the 3rd station, more male passengers came in, but it was in cubao station when it was really the mob! i moved closer to the female passenger as if in helplessness. i even overheard one guy say, "mga lalaki naman lahat eh... pasok!" apparently he was still at the door and wanted to push everybody inside so he can get in. they had probably been waiting at the station for some time.
i just bowed my head and closed my eyes. it was then that i felt a little scared. these were all guys! the only other female there was seated beside me, and i was secretly praying that she doesnt get off before i do! the guy standing in front of me was polite enough to keep his personal space from me, but at times, i felt his knees brushed against mine. it felt really uncomfortable!
super lucky for me, my seatmate was also to get off at magallanes, so she even served as my 'shield' against the male passengers who were still standing. in fact, the train was still almost full, unlike in the female section. i didnt want to be pushing or brushing against them. when i finally got out of the train, i vowed to myself never to take the males' coach again... for all intents and purposes, when an empty train comes into the station while you are still at the turnstile, run!! or walk leisurely and simply wait for the next train to arrive.
Friday, June 25, 2010
live forever in our hearts
I still think I see him around, not really as a ghostly apparition or something, but in the features of people I see in the bus, on the street, in school sometimes…
I have sudden urges of approaching the person, half expecting to still see the big smile in the face of the big, gentle guy…
I still half expect to see him around school with his camera, or just him in his black brother’s outfit, walking…
Somehow, maybe I haven’t fully accepted it, because it doesn’t seem real to me…It seems to me that he is the kind of person who will be around me forever…
It didn’t seem real that he was… is… gone.
I promised to myself that I would write a very lengthy and heartfelt tribute on your 40th day…
But it seems like I’m at a loss for words…
I decided to wait a little longer so I can compose my essay…
Your 66th birthday passed…
but still to no avail…
It is because I still find it hard to believe that I will no longer see you ever…
And now it has been a year since…
It was fitting but ironic that you passed away on Father’s Day last year.
Thanks Bro., for being an icon of inspiration…
For being hands on, in watching over us, taking care of us…
I will miss your stories in every homily, your laugh, your accent, your mere presence…
…I didn’t have the chance to even show off my son to you… I remember very clearly when I texted you that I had already given birth last year… you replied with one of the most inspiring messages of all…
“Alleluia! Extremely proud and happy for you! Remember, every child born is a message na, May pag-asa pa!”
How very optimistic! Thank you Bro.! Now everytime I look at my baby boy, I see him as a symbol of hope, and love.
Thank you, Brother Ceci…
It might still take a long time for me to fully realize that you’re truly forever gone, partly because I would like to remember you as alive as you can be, as lively as you always are…
Rest now Bro., thank you for always watching over us…
No one can ever ever replace you in our hearts.
I have sudden urges of approaching the person, half expecting to still see the big smile in the face of the big, gentle guy…
I still half expect to see him around school with his camera, or just him in his black brother’s outfit, walking…
Somehow, maybe I haven’t fully accepted it, because it doesn’t seem real to me…It seems to me that he is the kind of person who will be around me forever…It didn’t seem real that he was… is… gone.
I promised to myself that I would write a very lengthy and heartfelt tribute on your 40th day…
But it seems like I’m at a loss for words…
I decided to wait a little longer so I can compose my essay…
Your 66th birthday passed…
but still to no avail…
It is because I still find it hard to believe that I will no longer see you ever…
And now it has been a year since…
It was fitting but ironic that you passed away on Father’s Day last year.
Thanks Bro., for being an icon of inspiration…
For being hands on, in watching over us, taking care of us…
I will miss your stories in every homily, your laugh, your accent, your mere presence…
…I didn’t have the chance to even show off my son to you… I remember very clearly when I texted you that I had already given birth last year… you replied with one of the most inspiring messages of all…
“Alleluia! Extremely proud and happy for you! Remember, every child born is a message na, May pag-asa pa!”
How very optimistic! Thank you Bro.! Now everytime I look at my baby boy, I see him as a symbol of hope, and love.
Thank you, Brother Ceci…
It might still take a long time for me to fully realize that you’re truly forever gone, partly because I would like to remember you as alive as you can be, as lively as you always are…
Rest now Bro., thank you for always watching over us…
No one can ever ever replace you in our hearts.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
ba!
it's funny how a single syllable can be used many different ways by a 16-month-old baby...
-Simba, his favorite stuffed toy
-peek-ba!, our modified version of the game peek-a-boo, where we cover his eyes and say "peek" and when we remove our hands, he will say "ba!"
-Buzz (Lightyear), his foot-tall talking toy from tatay
-baba, or go down from the bedroom
-bath (he says "ba" when he sees anyone holding a towel, or hears the words towel, bathroom, or take a bath)
-bus (any big vehicle he sees on the street is a "ba", even if it's a truck, container van, or a firetruck)
amusing... makes me smile everytime. slowly but surely, he is adding more words to his vocabulary, and we are continuously teaching him everyday. at his age, he doesn't speak clear words yet, but i will take "ba" and its hundred different meanings anyday.
aren with mommy's R2D2 collectible lunchkit "this is so nice, clap clap, i think i'll wear this today!"
Friday, April 16, 2010
mommy's rare day out (off?)
since aren was born, i had practically zero social life, meaning i hardly met my old friends, or went out to movies or dinner with my officemates, or even attend to my personal needs (i.e., haircut, foot spa, shopping for clothes). i'm not complaining at all; i love every minute i spend with aren, especially now that he's growing more conversant and smarter by the day.
thing is, i cannot afford to be gone for more than 24 hours... i have been away for overnight school activities only thrice yet --for the department teambuilding and institutional retreat-outing last year, and the 3rd time was the department teambuilding for the 2nd year in a row.
it was held at balay indang in cavite from april 14 to 15. it was a quaint house with a pool and huge garden, among other amenities. what i like most about it are the interesting figurines and items inside and around the house.
own version of jump
posing in front of one of the mirrors in the dining area
kahit salamin sa kisame hindi pinatawad!
thing is, i cannot afford to be gone for more than 24 hours... i have been away for overnight school activities only thrice yet --for the department teambuilding and institutional retreat-outing last year, and the 3rd time was the department teambuilding for the 2nd year in a row.
it was held at balay indang in cavite from april 14 to 15. it was a quaint house with a pool and huge garden, among other amenities. what i like most about it are the interesting figurines and items inside and around the house.
view from the entrance of the house
view of the living room area from the top of the stairs
getting comfy in the couch with canopy
wait! where's the horse??
afternoon rest in the pavilion (at the background is a pond covered with small leaves!)
dark wood furniture and different pieces of china add to the country atmosphere
yum yum dinner!
in one of the sitting rooms in the balay
swimming at six the following morning
looking for flaglets in the amazing race activity of the teambuilding
group happy!
own version of jump
posing in front of one of the mirrors in the dining area
kahit salamin sa kisame hindi pinatawad!thanks again girls, for making another adventure a memorable one!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
happy bath time!
i love this photo because it shows that in spite of all the stress for parents in giving their kids a bath, a smile like this can make it all go away. :)
happy bath time everybody!
Monday, March 15, 2010
32
As they say when one reaches this age, "wala ka na sa kalendaryo!" Literally.
Fears, anxieties, and insecurities also start creeping in.... health, future finances, grad school, career, motherhood concerns.... all these things seem to be directly proportional to age!
At a time when I see the crow's feet, dark undereye circles, crazy facial skin texture, varicose veins, imminent osteoporosis, wrinkly hands, and dry body skin, among others (yes I never thought I am this vain!), I cannot help but be afraid of growing... eherm... old. And these are just the aesthetic reasons!!
However, a few days back, something happened that made me smile big time, and yes, flattered...
I was on my way home from the office, riding the usual bus line that i rode everyday twice a day for the past at least five years. The conductors sometimes ask the destination, some simply issue the ticket especially if they recognize regular patrons. Personally, though, it is not my habit to look at the drivers and conductors to memorize their faces.
I was sitting in my solitude, recalling the events of the day, when this particular conductor passed by my seat, did not ask where I was to get off, and simply keyed in into his handheld ticketing device, and handed this to me:
I took a look at the amount due, I was about to complain that he made a mistake, but then I realized... it was a pleasant mistake! Instead of the usual "Passenger - Ticket" printed at the top, the conductor issued a "Student - Ticket" to me! It was one of the biggest compliments anyone has ever made to me! It was too good a moment to spoil!
So I prepared my fare, and when he came back to collect it, he really handed me back a change of P24 for my P50! He really honestly thought I was a student! (At this point, I didn't know why he didn't notice it, but I thought I was already grinning in excitement.) Then I realized that it was a Friday, and I wasn't wearing my usual office uniform. But then I wasn't even wearing jeans and shirt... it was a casual top for Friday dress code. Hmmm...
If manong was just suffering from poor eyesight, then it was his fault really, that he assumed that I was a student passenger *wink*. It was a high form of flattery, and even if for just a 30-minute trip, I felt that I was years younger than my approaching birthday. Thanks manong; sorry for the undercharge ;)
Thanks to my IPA family for the super daming food last Thursday! You really know how to make me feel special. Yesterday at home, we also had some spaghetti and cake with my eldest sister's family, and last I heard, we'll have another one next weekend with my other sister's family! Rands even promised his own in May *wink* Now, how's that for celebrating my big 32!
Fears, anxieties, and insecurities also start creeping in.... health, future finances, grad school, career, motherhood concerns.... all these things seem to be directly proportional to age!
At a time when I see the crow's feet, dark undereye circles, crazy facial skin texture, varicose veins, imminent osteoporosis, wrinkly hands, and dry body skin, among others (yes I never thought I am this vain!), I cannot help but be afraid of growing... eherm... old. And these are just the aesthetic reasons!!
However, a few days back, something happened that made me smile big time, and yes, flattered...
I was on my way home from the office, riding the usual bus line that i rode everyday twice a day for the past at least five years. The conductors sometimes ask the destination, some simply issue the ticket especially if they recognize regular patrons. Personally, though, it is not my habit to look at the drivers and conductors to memorize their faces.
I was sitting in my solitude, recalling the events of the day, when this particular conductor passed by my seat, did not ask where I was to get off, and simply keyed in into his handheld ticketing device, and handed this to me:
I took a look at the amount due, I was about to complain that he made a mistake, but then I realized... it was a pleasant mistake! Instead of the usual "Passenger - Ticket" printed at the top, the conductor issued a "Student - Ticket" to me! It was one of the biggest compliments anyone has ever made to me! It was too good a moment to spoil!
So I prepared my fare, and when he came back to collect it, he really handed me back a change of P24 for my P50! He really honestly thought I was a student! (At this point, I didn't know why he didn't notice it, but I thought I was already grinning in excitement.) Then I realized that it was a Friday, and I wasn't wearing my usual office uniform. But then I wasn't even wearing jeans and shirt... it was a casual top for Friday dress code. Hmmm...
If manong was just suffering from poor eyesight, then it was his fault really, that he assumed that I was a student passenger *wink*. It was a high form of flattery, and even if for just a 30-minute trip, I felt that I was years younger than my approaching birthday. Thanks manong; sorry for the undercharge ;)
Thanks to my IPA family for the super daming food last Thursday! You really know how to make me feel special. Yesterday at home, we also had some spaghetti and cake with my eldest sister's family, and last I heard, we'll have another one next weekend with my other sister's family! Rands even promised his own in May *wink* Now, how's that for celebrating my big 32!
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