Cutty

I was hoping that somebody had already invented a device that makes two individual strollers seem like  double strollers. Why is this a concern to me? For our upcoming trip, I don't think we'll be bringing a yaya. In addition to that, we already have three strollers and we don't want to purchase another one. Since it'll be just Vic and me tending to the kids full-time, I'd like us to be more mobile, with our hands free for other things.  Besides, I think Javi and Bettina would rather sit than walk all the time. With some carefully chosen words, I found what I needed in Google.  There are two available in the market.  Here's something from Prince Lionheart.  Amazon sells this at $13.49. Here's the one from Munchkin.  This costs around $9, shipping not included. Both come in threes, to be attached at the top and bottom frames.   I am just not sure which is more sturdy. Luckily, I don't have to purchase these from Amazon....

The past week has been toxic for me and Vic.  In one week, we went to the ER twice because of ailments we can not relieve at home. Two Fridays ago, we brought Javi because of a viral infection that affected his bowel movements and has caused dehydration.  Before that week ended, we brought in Johann because of non-stop coughing and fever.  Fortunately, Javi tested negative for Amoebiasis and Johann has normal lungs and CBC.  We have progressed to three types of anti-biotics, with the next more expensive than the one before. Thankfully, Bettina's condition isn't too severe.  We just had an allergy scare that was quickly relieved by Zyrtec and Iterax.  If you remember Will Smith's allergy attack in the movie Hitched, then that's ALMOST what happened to her, without the eye swelling. With a lot of rest and meds, they are on the road to recovery.  I, unfortunately, caught the bug.

Since Halloween is three months away, I don't think my little girl's costume will fit by then.  Look at how much she's grown. Looks like she'll be going to the mall as Tink.

We wrapped up Bettina's 1st Birthday party a few hours ago.  I am glad that kids and adults alike enjoyed what we prepared for them.  We were bothered by the sun and the humidity.  But, that didn't stop the kids from joining the games.  We were all impressed by Jiggle's balloon sculptures. We had endless supply of taho and ice cream in Champola cones.  I just don't know how we're going to dispose all those balloons. I glad that Bettina managed to stay awake throughout the party.  Both kuyas were very cooperative and wore their assigned costumes till it was time to change.  Though many sent in their regrets for not attending, it was still a lively party.  Everyone went home sweaty and sticky but smiling =P I am still reeling from the success of the party, I can't sleep.  Or, maybe I'm just anxious and excited about the days ahead?

We're celebrating Bettina's birthday in 3 weeks.  I've been planning this for nearly a year.  I booked our suppliers more than 6 months ahead.  I decided on the party theme nearly that long also.  Even if I had time to plan, I still encountered several setbacks, with the host/entertainer, photographer, giveaways.  I am meeting with my Jhoanne of Polkadots soon so we can finalize all the other details.   Anyway, here's the invitation Tito Boyette came up with.   More party details to follow =D  

For Bettina's birthday, I asked the photographer I hired to come for a pre-event shoot. We'll be using the photos for her invites, tarps and giveaways. Here are some shots from that early Saturday morning. Ang hirap lang pangitiin. I hope my artist/cousin-in-law will be able to get something from these.

When Bettina underwent the Newborn Screening, we found out that she has this condition called G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency). At first, it was difficult to get used to that idea because none of my elder kids had this. I couldn't fathom the idea that we can not feed her peanuts, legumes, anything with soy, anything with menthol, et. al. She can't even inhale anything menthol. So, bye-bye Ben-gay and Vicks. Pano na siya mag-toothbrush? It was also difficult for me because I can't ingest any of those forbidden items since I was breast-feeding her. We stopped worrying for a while. Her diet was strictly milk then. Now that we have introduced solids to her diet, I am trying to know more about this condition called G6PD. I knew that it was a condition that could lead to Anemia. What I didn't know was that excess bilubirin (the yellowish pigment that causes jaundice) can cause mental retardation and even death. ----------------- Here are they symptoms...

Yesterday, Bettina graduated from the rear-facing infant seat to front-facing car seat. She was comfortable enough in Kuya Johann's seat, though I'd like to her to exchange seats with Kuya Javi. She was quite pleased by what she saw in the side windows. This past week, she has been having trouble breathing. She caught the bug that left her two kuyas, me and Daddy sleepless for several nights. We recently discovered that she has atopic dermatitis like me. Her face and limbs have rashes caused her additional discomfort. Despite her condition, she remains to be a happy baby. Still very cheerful even if her eyes are getting heavy from all the allergy and cold meds. In a few months' time, we'll be celebrating her 1st birthday. I'm still going to use the ballerina theme, as planned. I'm still picking the brains of my party planner on how we can involve the boys.

I've already booked Bettina's party photographer. I've been wanting to get her services since I gave birth to Johann. She was always booked. This time, I am first in line. The party host I've been planning to get has also put me on her waiting list. I hope the person before me doesn't confirm. The Lola has also gotten Bettina her birthday dress, with matching accessories. I am trying to narrow down which party planner should assist me in the preparations. Nope, di naman kami masyado excited.

If health is wealth then I am soooo not wealthy. Not that I am wealthy to begin with. My two boys are sick. Johann started coughing last week. By Sunday, fever came into the picture. Javi started coughing yesterday morning. In the afternoon, he already had a runny nose. Last night, he already had slight fever. Today, Bettina started coughing. Hay, I hope it doesn't progress into what her brothers have. Then, one yaya is also down with fever. Anubuh?!? I can only handle so many patients at a time.

Yesterday, I was telling Vic that I am thinking of starting on Bettina's 1st birthday preps. OA, I know. She is only three months old. I have already narrowed down the theme, a ballerina party. I'll dress her up in a tutu complete with ballet shoes and tights. Hehe. I am just at a loss how I'll involve the boys in our theme. Vic said, he'll wear tights too. ============ At three months, Bettina has begun cooing. She loves to give us that toothless smile whenever we call her "Pretty girl." Her neck has grown stronger and she more stable now. I am glad that she's been gaining weight. I was afraid of not feeding her enough, since I am breastfeeding her 80% of the time. She still hates Tummy time. She has begun feasting on her fists, ever since I removed her mittens. Kuya Johann talks to her all the time. He likes kissing her head and smoothing her troll-like hair. Kuya Javi already learned how to say her name. He is still a bit jelly but is lear...

It has been three weeks since this party. I apologize for the delay. Finding time to update my blog is difficult in the past few weeks. ------------------ In the past, we usually have our kids baptized as soon as they hit their first month. This time, we chose to delay Bettina's baptism so we can celebrate it together with Johann's birthday. She turned 2-months old on the day she was baptized. She was baptized at the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, where Javi was also baptized. I got Verleo to supply the food. I wasn't completely satisfied with their food, though people liked Fish with Aioli. Some of their waiters weren't as seasoned as the ones from Albergus or La Comida. Maybe that is why the two cakes from Layers and Layers had "imperfect spots." It was supposed to be a no-fuss party. In fact, I just planned on sending text messages as invitations. Then it occurred to me that we had to have invitations so people would know we're having a double...

Even though I don't have work to keep me on a schedule, I was on-the-go almost everyday of last week. There were lots of commitments concerning the THREE Festival and the joint celebration of last Saturday. Here are the highlights of the week: Johann's school party. We were supposed to celebrate with his classmates on the day before his birthday. However, he got sick. So, I cancelled my arrangements and moved the celebration to the following school day. Last Monday, I brought homemade cupcakes (Martha Stewart's choco chip cupcake with chocolate ganache ) and pancakes for the class' recess. I failed to document the simple celebration because I forgot to bring a camera with me. Apparently, there was one waiting for me in the backseat. Darn! Gram's Diner. I tried it and I wasn't disappointed. The whopper malt and the philly cheese steak were very good. I think I'll try it out with Vic next time we're in the area. Parallel parking. I rarely pa...

The month is just half-way through and it has been quite eventful. There were just too many requirements to submit for Johann's school, for the DFA appointment and for the franchise application. We also attended our first orientation as parents of a preschooler on the first weekend. Today, we celebrated Johann's birthday. I didn't want to make a big deal out of this celebration since the big one is coming next week. I got lechon manok, liempo and a cheap-o cake (see image below) to share with the people here at home. I can tell that Johann liked blowing his candle. He's been trying to hide his smile. Naco-conscious na ang bata. I think I'll make it a point to have a cake and a candle-blowing ceremony every birthday to make the kids feel that we're still celebrating their big day. A few days before Johann's birthday was Johann's first day in preschool. He was well-behaved during the first hour, helping the teaching aide pack-away toys and books. ...

...is what I am these days. There are so many things to do and so many things to prepare for. BUT, here I am, doing none of those. I am in the middle preparing for Bettina's baptism. I already submitted the church requirements so the date is already blocked off. I haven't decided on the caterer and whether I should get an inflatable bouncer. I am waiting to see if it will rain on the day of the baptism. We have yet to book a photographer, order cakes, prepare gifts for the godparents and buy Bettina's baptismal outfit. Did I mention that Johann will be celebrating his 3rd birthday on the day of Bettina's baptism? Apart from that, I have to prepare my resume. It's needed for a franchise we are planning to acquire. I don't know where and how to begin since it has been four years since I held a job. This entails serious brainstorming and reminiscing because I no longer remember what I did for what. I hope I finish this soon. I am up for a panel interview ...