Thank You Dear Friends!

I woke up this morning to great news... this blog is page ranked! woot woot! Sure it's ranked 1 but this is wonderful news to me! I've had this blog for years. Sure I have not been the most consistent blogger but still,  I put effort in the stuff I write here. Now that my Bea can read simple words, she gets pretty tickled when she sees that she has her own blog. She even gets annoyed when I take pictures of her, she'd say "Mommy don't upload that, my classmates will see!" Hahaha!

Again dear friends, thanks for dropping by our blog. I love sharing our adventures with you. Please continue reading, comments are welcome too!

A Horrible Dog Bite and a Trip to the San Lazaro Hospital

It was a lazy Sunday morning. Hubby and I were still in bed but Bea was already outside having her breakfast. We suddenly heard shouts and crying coming from outside. Hubby went out to investigate then came back in our room with terrible news. Our friendly and cowardly pet dog bit Bea on the face! And there was blood. I felt my heart shoot up my throat then drop to my feet. I couldn’t move. I can handle a lot of things but I can’t handle blood. Thankfully, hubby stepped in and took care of it, making sure the wound was cleaned before I saw it.

When I finally came out of our room, I saw my Bea standing with a towel on her face. Afraid as I was, I looked at her wound. The blood has almost stopped but I could clearly see the shape of the dog’s teeth as it tore in her flesh. There was also a small wound on her lower eye lid and she can barely open her right eye. I hugged her tight, knowing that she must be so scared at that moment. The dog who has been a constant companion and playmate since her toddler days has betrayed her.

Bea and her dog bite wounds =(

I knew Bea had to get anti-rabies shots. Hubby and I rushed her to the emergency room of the nearest hospital but the nurses and doctor there wouldn’t accept us. They said that since Bea was bitten on the face, she was considered category C (animal bites from neck up) and only San Lazaro Hospital in Manila was authorized to receive and take care of such cases. I asked them if they could at least take a look at the wound but they said we had to rush there NOW, since the bite is near the brain. I felt the panic rise in my body once again.

Since it was a Sunday, it only took us thirty minutes from Marikina to San Lazaro. San Lazaro Hospital is found in Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila. It is a referral facility for Infectious/ Communicable Diseases. It is less than 10 minute-walk from the two nearest LRT stations along Avenida Rizal,(Bambang/Tayuman). For more detailed directions to San Lazaro Hospital click here.

San Lazaro Hospital usually won’t receive patients who were bitten or scratched by a dog or cat on Sundays except for emergency cases such as children below 2 years old or patients older than 60, people with disability and like Bea’s case, those considered category C.

San Lazaro Hospital Triage

 We were received in the Triage area. Hubby was asked to pay the emergency room fee first (P50). Then we were asked to wait at the waiting section A, section B was assigned for those with cough (TB patients?) After a while we were interviewed by a newbie doctor who wasn’t even sure of the info she needed to ask from us. (She kept on asking her colleagues). Then we wait. After some time, a resident doctor finally looked at Bea. There were 3 doctors on that Sunday. We were given a ½ cardboard paper where our vaccine schedule was written. All these time, no one even bothered to tape up Bea’s wounds. We just kept on wiping the blood with tissues. Her eye was almost completely shut by this time also. Only after hubby shouted at one of the nurses did she cover Bea's wounds.

Bandaged

Several looong lines and a lot of waiting, we finally got all the shots needed, and there were many! I was so proud of Bea, she was so brave! First we had the PVRV, the antirabies vaccine, given on each shoulder. Then the tetanus toxoid came next. The nurses also conducted a skin test, 2 pricks on Bea’s arm then we had to wait for another 30 minutes for the results. Next was 3 vials of ATS and last came the ERIG which was the most expensive medicine. They inject this on both cheeks of Bea’s butt. That emergency room trip cost us more or less P3,500. As a parting word, the doctor just said that we should also visit an ophthalmologist at the Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital nearby, another government hospital with loooong lines. Yes, this warning came from the doctor herself.

I laud the hospital’s staff, they seem to be professional except for neglecting Bea's wounds but I guess the sheer number of patients can get overwhelming.  They make do with whatever resources they have. Don’t look for sympathetic smiles or encouraging words though, I guess you go to private hospitals for that. They were all business there. Medicines were cheaper because they are subsidized by the government, however, be ready for long lines and impersonal personnel. Facilities were clean but incomplete. That Sunday, the emergency room had no electricity. Nurses who administered the meds kept on transferring from one side of the room to another, looking for brighter window light, so they can see their patients better. These are the guys who will stab the needle into your or your child’s arm. Waaah! Don’t forget to bring a facemask too, since this hospital also caters to other communicable diseases like tuberculosis, meningococcemia and others.

We were relieved when we were finally discharged. That trip to the San Lazaro Hospital was quite an experience.

UPDATE:

Bea has finished her 3 shots scheduled a few days apart.

Back in San Lazaro for Shot # 2

Eye is much better, Shot # 3

   Her next one is scheduled next month. Her wounds are slowly healing. I hope scarring will be minimal. Doctors refused to stitch them up because they came from a dog bite. As a doctor said, “mag-make up na lang sya paglaki”. =(

Tips on Teaching Your Child to Be More Organized

My parents hated clutter. They constantly reminded us to put away our things properly. My sister slowly adapted the habit. When she was younger, her room was cluttered like mine, but when she grew up, she learned the art of de-cluttering regularly. Sadly, I wasn’t able to develop that trait.

It was only when became an adult that I learned the value of organization. A cluttered space promotes a cluttered mind. Now I would like to teach my Bea how to be organized. At a young age, we can teach our children to appreciate the value of clean and orderly surroundings. They can always start with simple things they know very well, their toys.

Let me share with you tips on teaching your child the value of packing away their toys:

Let your child play with only one toy at a time. Allow her to bring out another toy from her toy chest only after she returns the previous toy properly.

Make up a song while you pack away. Make a game out of the activity. Make sure she finishes packing away her toy before the song is done.

Use clear and positive instructions. Say “Mommy would love it if you help in picking up your toys” or “Please return your dolls back to the toy chest”.

Appreciate and give praise for her actions. Let her know that you’re proud of her for remembering to pack away her toys properly.

Consistency is always important if you want this positive trait to develop into a habit. By constantly reminding your child to pack away her toys and then affirming her actions, this will set the foundation and eventually develop into a positive part of her personality as she grows up.

Of Pearl Necklaces and Motherhood (Happy Mother's Day!)

Today is mother's day. Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there! I have been a mom for more than six years now and I still feel giddy whenever I am greeted on mother's day! haha. 

Earlier today, I wanted to google something (google is now a verb right?) I found it amusing when the laptop showed a letter G wearing a pearl necklace while 2 letter O's came bounding in giving the letter G a big hug. Google has such cute ways of celebrating various important dates, Mother's Day included. Then I realized, I also own a pearl necklace! Am I now part of the stereotype that is motherhood? My mother didn't own a pearl necklace, but she was the best mother in the world, showing me unconditional love and understanding and forgiveness and support. I just wish I can even be half the mother that she was, then I would've known that I am a good mother. 

As much as I love my mother, if there was one thing I could as her to change, it would be her overprotectiveness. I know my mother loved me, and I know she believed in me and that she wanted only the best for me, but in so doing she protected me from so many things, including many important life lessons I could have learned.

Until I was in high school, my mother chose what I wore, and because of this, I developed no fashion sense at all. I guess she wanted to spare me from the time-consuming decisions a teenage age girl goes through about what she wants to wear for the day. Sadly though, because of this I never discovered my own fashion style, what I liked, what I didn't like. It was only in college (during summer classes since we got to wear civilian clothes and not our uniforms) that I got the chance to choose my own clothes but by then I was just lost. It was all Tshirt and jeans for me. I never really develop the love for good and tasteful clothes, and shoes for that matter. 

Another thing she protected me from was choosing impractical courses and choosing a too progressive (radical) school. Yep, I never got to choose my course or school in college. I am sorry to say that although I know my parents only had the best intentions for me, this has caused me (and still does) a great deal of sadness and confusion. Being good (or at least acceptable) at something you don't like at all is a curse. They were correct of course, I found a good job almost immediately, and have stayed on because of the security and stability... but I am  unhappy. 

I was also protected from basic social obligations.  My mother always did the talking for me. I was terribly shy (still am) and being the youngest, I was taught not to join in the "adult conversation" (usapang matanda) so whenever we had company, I'd greet the visitors politely and retire to my room. I was never expected to entertain. And so I never developed the gift of small talk, and entertaining. Thankfully I have a husband who is a born entertainer... hahaha, and now he does most of the talking for me too.

When I got married and became a parent, I told myself I will not do these things to my child. I will not overly protect or limit and I will not impose. Now however, I realize it is easier said than done. When one has a child, all you want to do is to protect and spoil the kid to death. Yes, that is the instinct. I want to give my Bea everything, and I would like to give in to her every whim. I also have this idea that I, being the adult, know what's best. What does she know, she is merely a child (who happens to have strong opinions)? The world is a bad place and this child must be protected... always.  

This must be how my mother felt about me. It's true what they say, you'll only truly understand your mother when you become one yourself, and I appreciate her even more now. 

But as much as I love my daughter, I must resist.  Tough love and all that. I want her to be happy, to be fully developed, and be her own person. I want her to go through the process of finding her own personality not just the goody-goody personality dictated by society. I want her to experience life. Hopefully, she will thank me later. Hopefully....

Attack of the Crazies... and hopes of being a WAHM

It all started innocently enough. Daddy was playing Angry Birds in his PSP while his two girls watch on.

Since daddy was intent on playing with his game, we decided to ham it up for the camera. Here we are with the usual "wacky pose".

Bea suggested we do "silly faces" next. Sadly, my version of silly turned out to be the eng-eng look! Argh!

After a while, daddy couldn't help but join in. He actually just got frustrated when he couldn't solve the level that he was in. =)

And... there's the eng-eng look again. =)

I just treasure these precious times together. The little one is growing up so fast. Our bed is now too small for us as it is, imagine how it will be a year from now. Pretty soon cuddle/kulitan sessions will be too crowded, and someone (probably Berto or me) might just get hurt in the rough play. Boy, are those little arms powerful! Haha. 

I often remind Daddy to cherish these moments too, because in a couple of years, our little Bea would have her own friends, would probably prefer to lock herself in her room chatting with them on the phone or on the internet... and she'd rather spend time with them than with her folks. The way kids grow up nowadays, that might not be too far off in the future. Hay... sad. That's what's making me want to be a work-at-home mom even more. I wouldn't want to miss these moments because I spend most of my time at work or at growing the photography business. I wouldn't want to wake up one morning and realize that I spent most of my life, slaving off at a job I don't particularly like instead of being with people who matter  the most... my family.

Out On Errands

At what age should we allow our children to go out on errands? Last month, hubby decided our 6 year old Bea is old enough to be given some responsibilities, one of them is being sent out to buy stuff from the nearby sari-sari store. The first time we sent her out, we asked her to buy 2 pcs of ice. Hubby wrote  a down what she needed to buy in a piece of paper so she can just hand it to the storekeeper. We also gave her the exact amount so that there won't be any change. Hubby just reminded her to stay on the sidewalk and watched her from afar.A few minutes later, she was back! Success! But then she ran straight to me and told me how her daddy had sent her off to the store alone, what if she was ran over by a car?? A six year old worry wart...haha.  

After that first time, we sent her out on various errands to the store. She has gotten more confident about these trips and don't worry as much about getting ran over by cars anymore. Save for one incident where she almost forgot her task when she saw her friends playing nearby and was sidetracked into playing with them, her assignments have been successful. What's next? Bring it on, our 6 year old princess is ready! =)

Sunday is Pancake Day

Sundays are special since we have the rare chance to have breakfast together. Although Berto and I love to sleep in, our Bea often wakes up earlier than us and tries to wake me up, reminding me that we will cook pancakes for Daddy. 

We only use the instant pancake mix. I choose the "just add water" kind over the "from scratch" kind anytime. Haha!

I prefer Magnolia Pancake Plus because it has a free pancake syrup included inside the package. There is a choice between traditional maple, chocolate or strawberry. We've tasted all flavors and we ended up liking the Maple Syrup.

It so simple to make, Bea helps me to make them.

Directions in cooking the pancakes:

• Brush pan or griddle with oil.
• Preheat pan at medium-high setting.
• Mix Magnolia Pancake Plus and 2/3 cup water until free from lumps.
• Pour about 1/8 cup batter onto heated pan.
• Cook until edges look dry  and bubbles begin to appear. 
• Turn pancakes over and continue to cook until golden brown.
• Serve with syrup.

Here is our routine:

I let Bea pour the powder mix and water in the mixing bowl. As I stir, she'd do this elaborate motions of putting in hugs and kisses for daddy. Then she'd leave me to mix it until smooth. I'd also let her pour in the first batch onto the pan (with my help of course), then I'd cook the rest. I'd also let her stir Daddy's coffee (add more hugs and kisses here). That way, she'd feel she participated in the whole process of  preparing and cooking, then  she'd be confident as she tells her daddy that she made him breakfast!

Take Good Care of Your Eyes

I have been wearing glasses right out of college. When I was still a kid, I discovered my love for reading. Two of my aunts were avid readers, and I had access to lots of books of varied topics. My responsible parents warned me against reading in the dark and while riding in jeepneys. They said it was not good for my eyes. Being the child that i was, I didn't believe them. 

Many, many books and years after, I started getting headaches. My mom took me to an optometrist and she gave me the verdict: I needed glasses. 

The glasses my dear Bea is wearing in the picture is just a prop in our photobooth. She thankfully still have perfect vision (she's just 6 after all). So here's my advice for you dear Bea: Take care of your eyes. Eat lots of vegetables. Though reading is always good, read with proper lighting and steady ground. Learn from mommy's mistake. When I was younger, I though wearing glasses was cool. It's not, mostly it's a hassle. For a time I wore contact lenses because of convenience, until my eyes got irritated. You have beautiful eyes baby, you shouldn't hide them behind eye glasses. 

I hope my Bea is wiser than me and heed this advice. =)

Bea Attended an Angry Birds Themed Party

Last April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan, we spent our afternoon at the Loyola Grand Villa Clubhouse Celebrating my kumare's son's birthday. Sadly, Daddy Berto wasn't able to join us because BK Pixels had a prior commitment, a photo booth rental. 

Anyway, Daddy just dropped us off the venue, and it was just Bea, our new yaya and me. We were a bit late so the party was already in full swing we arrived. As expected, the venue was wonderfully decorated, after all the birthday boy's mom is the Party Planner (Yan-ple's Party Shop). Upon entering we were given a name tag and was made to choose which angry bird is Bea's favorite (red). Apparently they had personalized bagtags as part of the party favors! They also had various food carts, including my favorite Scramble! I actually went to get 4 refills! Haha!

Bea had a wonderful time since she is now 6 and cab actively join the parlor games. In fact, she won in both games she joined! She also won prizes in the ever-present Bring Me Game. I know my Bea had a wonderful time not only because of the prizes but also because she can now also appreciate the magic show by host Wizzo and puppet show by Wanlu. I wasn't able to take pictures of her loots and prizes, but she got a LOT! The kids went crazy when the Angry Bird mascot came to stage and danced for the kids. After a while, kids were allowed to join the Angry Bird onstage for some picture taking. I was one proud mommy when Bea went up on her own and touched the mascot with a wide smile plastered on her face. She has truly gotten over her fear of mascots! 

Daddy picked us up after the party and Bea proudly showed off her prizes and loot bag of goodies. Hopefully Daddy can join us next time! 

Bea's Dance During SLRMS Foundation Day

Last Saturday, we went to school early for your Foundation Day Presentation. Too bad Daddy didn't feel well, that's why he opted to stay behind and rest. No worries because mommy came with you. We also brought ate Gladish along too for some additional support.

First to present were the nursery students. They were so adorable. I remember your presentation last year, with the Filipiniana costume... Cuteness overload!

My heart leapt when the announcer said that it was the Kinder pupils' turn to present their dance, which they ardently prepared for...

I got ready with my DSLR, ready to zoom in on my little princess. You had your dance steps "almost" memorized =) You brandished your baton (a pvc pipe covered with gold paper and stripped straw on both ends) with confidence and style. Too bad  the sun was already high in the sky by that time and you got a bit distracted by the heat... but over all, it was a wonderful performance.

After the presentation, we went up to your classroom where you showed be the artworks you did for art class. I was so proud! Great job baby, keep it up! =)

Take Your Time

My little girl is ecstatic. Today she goes back to school. She kept on
asking me what grade she is in, and when she'd get to first grade. (Last
year you were in nursery class. Now? You're in kinder class. And then?
Prep. And then?...)

I remember feeling that way when I was a kid.

Impatience.

Impatience to grow up soon, impatience to finish school so that I can at
last play all day long and not be forced to have my afternoon nap,
impatience for more responsibility. I wish I can tell my daughter to
take her time. Enjoy. Time will come when you'd want to stay a young
student forever. That way you don't have to brave torrential downpours
just to get to a job you don't particularly like, you can sleep all day
with the excuse of burning the midnight oil the night before, you only
have to open up your palm and blessing will be bestowed upon you (aka
allowance) and you can read loads of (pocket)books with adults' approval
since they feel reading can improve your vocabulary. You can make
mistakes and learn from them.

Take your time in growing. Enjoy the new experiences and the friendship.
Make mistakes and learn from them. Love with all your heart. Savor your
youth. Take chances. Dream, and dream big. Be brave, and baby, live
well.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

Happy Father's Day to the best daddy in the world!!!

Bea's Ballet Recital

When summer started, our Bea was at a loss. She was listless since she had all the vacant time, school being out and all. We initially planned on enrolling her in a swimming class. The problem was we couldn’t find a class nearby and I just couldn’t burden her grandfather into taking her to classes every single day. We opted for ballet classes instead. Luckily, her school is just a few steps away from our house. She had classes every Tuesday and Saturday for an hour. When we ask her how her classes went, her answer is always the standard “ok lang”. We ask her to dance for us, she refuses. So all along, we thought she wasn’t learning much, but least her classes keeps her busy and gives her a routine.

After 10 sessions, they had a ballet recital in SM North Edsa Ballerinas from different schools gather to showcase their talents to an audience of ogling parents. We brought her Ninang and Lolo along too, for some good ole family support.They were the first performers. What amazed me was that Bea was so cool and composed during the whole time. No stage fright at all! From the moment she stepped on stage up to the time she hopped off it, she was smiling from ear to ear! Wow! And I was so amazed at how she could remember the various steps in their dance routine. It was not perfect but definitely beautiful. All this time, I thought she wasn’t learning and retaining anything from her classes…. And then there she was executing ballet steps and hops and turns on stage!

We were so proud of her! We intend to continue her ballet lessons this July. Who knows, this might be her “thing”, although I also want her to take piano lessons and swimming lessons, and her daddy want her to take taekwondo and drumming lessons… ahhh the pressure we place on our kids! =)

Bea Vs Parties

Last November, my husband and I started a photography business, BK
Pixels Photography. We offer photography services for birthdays, debut,
weddings and corporate affairs. We also have a photobooth for rent.
Since we are both working, most of our gigs happen on weekends, the only
time we also get to spend with our daughter. Recently, when my daughter
sees me in front of the laptop, with my brows furrowed (I'm working on a
layout) she'd ask me whether we had a party later? When I'd say yes,
she'd literally wilt in front of me and slowly slink away.

This would crush my heart yet what can I do. How can I explain to a 5
year old that I am doing this as part of a plan so that in the long run,
I'd be able to spend so much more time with her? That the hope is we'll
be able to run this business full time, from home so that we won't miss
her growing up? It's sad how she now dreads the word "party" instead of
being all happy and excited when she hears it. For her party means mommy
and daddy will be away again...oh well.

Parenthood can be tough sometimes, but it can be even tougher when the
children have to sacrifice too...

My Little Zombie

A few more days to go and still to halloween costume for our Bea. The original plan to have a Kill Bill costume made did not push through. We couldn't find a tailor to do it for us, every body is too busy to take our order. Too bad, her daddy already bough a fake sword with her costume. I guess we'll just have to improvise.

Maybe she can just go trick or treating wearing this mask....Isn't she just the cutest little zombie? =)

Bea's First Time at the Beach

It has been a year since we've been to the beach. Bea had such a grand time at the Sunset Cove, Morong Bataan, i just had to make a layout about our experience. Too bad we are scheduled to visit the beach anytime soon but we are planning to go swimming with the whole family next week. Bea is so excited already!

Wordless Wednesday: Bonding with Daddy

Flower Girl

Bea was asked by her godfather to be a flower girl at his wedding. Everyone in our family is of course super happy! hehehe... Here's a pic taken while she was having her fitting... cutie huh?
I'm so proud and happy for her, i never had the chance to be a flower girl, or a bridesmaid. The only participation I've ever had in a wedding was being a bride. =)

I'm sure everything will go well on the day itself...

Biking At The Quezon City Memorial Circle

Bea has been asking (pleading) us to buy her a bike. Blame in on the other kids on our block, they all have their "grown up"bikes... with 2 wheels plus trainer wheels. This has been her Christmas wish... and later on her birthday wish. Hubby had a deal with her, if she stops sucking her thumb while sleeping, he will buy her a bike. Their agreed deadline is her 4th birthday, however that day came and went with her still sucking her thumb to put her to sleep. =)

To keep her from being sad, we decided to go to the park, not only for some fresh air, but also for for Bea to try riding a bike on her own. (we were just trying to see if she can reach the pedals and actually operate the bike on her own. we rented a small bike with side car for her and a big one for hubby and me. This is my first time to ride with hubby... and it was quiet a fun experience! even hubby had a great time! Bea was so proud that she is riding a "grown up" bike at last, although still with the help of her nanny. =)

She's 4!

How time flies! the little girl turned four years old last month! it seemed only yesterday when she was still trying to learn to walk and talk... now she's running all over the place, with her volume turned all the way up! (learning to control her volume is still a work in progress.)

this year, she chose a minnie mouse theme for her birthday. =)