It's been a while since my last post and I've lots of things to blog about. Here are some to name a few...

- Caitlin's school work
- Blowup Babies photoshoot
- Caitlin decorates our christmas tree
- Caitlin's busy December schedule (1st flower girl stint, 1st school performance/christmas party, and more parties)
- Christmas gifts
- Tags, tags and more tags (dami kong utang!)
- Pregnancy update
- Hubby's new work
- Christmas Eve celebration

I hope I get around to blogging soon (*cross fingers*).

Tagged: Comfort Food

Got this tag from Arlene. I'm supposed to write about my comfort food.



I'd have to say ICE CREAM! Any ice cream flavor will do. But my ultimate fave is Coffee Crumble. Yum! Though I can't have it right now cause it's coffee... and I'm pregnant :(



So, I'd settle for the 2nd comfort food on my list -- cheesecake! Yum!

Tagged: All About My Honey

A reason to update and talk about my hubby (got this from Meeya)
:)

Here are the rules...

This tag is simple. If you feel comfortable and your better half does too, you can post a picture of him in your blog (but if not, a description will do). It may be a baby picture or anything that you like with the following:

1. First Name - if he doesn't like his name plastered all over the internet, a pet name will do.
2. How and where did you meet?
3. Characteristics
4. Your plans 20 to 30 years from now.

Now for my answers:

1. My hubby's name is Marlon. I used to call him 'Baby' when we were still bf/gf. Then it became 'Honey' when we got married. I figured I had to change my pet name for him since our kid/s might get confused if I all call them 'Baby'. Hahaha! :P

2. As for how and where we met, let me just post our AVP during our wedding 4 years ago.


video by Jason Magbanua

3. He's always perceived/misunderstood to be suplado but he's really just the quiet type. He's intelligent, thoughtful, maasikaso, masipag. I especially love the way he is with our daughter, Caitlin. He's very hands on (more hands on than me). I've always said that I'd like to marry someone like my dad. And I can say that he's like my dad in most ways. With that, enough said :)

4. Twenty or thirty years from now... No one knows what the future has for us but I'm sure we'll still be together, facing whatever life may bring.

If you liked this, feel free to tag yourself :)

My Little School Girl

Yes, you read it right! Caitlin is now a school girl!

I took a week's leave (during the week of the Nov1-2 holidays) and took the opportunity to scout for preschools in our area. We really wanted to enroll Caitlin in a play school so that she can learn to socialize with other kids and at the same time learn the concept of going to school.

Pail and Shovel Child Development Center (along 14th Ave. in Cubao) was our first stop. The owners were not there but we were able to talk with one of the teachers. We inquired about the classes they offer and how much their classes are. Unfortunately, she was not able to give us enough information. The school itself was okay. But it didn't give me a good impression (even the teacher we talked to).

We then went to KIDS Academy (along Katipunan Ave, White Plains). Two of their teachers, Teacher Chummy and Teacher Caila, were there to accommodate us. They gave us a tour of the classrooms and answered all of our questions readily. They explained the classes they offer and what are covered in those classes. They also told us that they have a 2-day free trial Toddler Class which we can let Caitlin attend just to see if she likes it there. Since it was free, we decided to let Caitlin attend.

So last November 7 (Wednesday), we took Caitlin to the trial class. She was really excited!

When we got to the school, she didn't show any signs of nervousness. She even exclaimed, "Wow, school ko! (Wow, my school!)" as we were parking the car.

Her class starts at 12noon and we were already there at 11:45am. We wanted Caitlin to become familiar with the school.

We didn't wait long. After a few minutes, Teacher Chummy arrived and introduced us to Caitlin's teacher, Teacher Matz. Caitlin, with no hesitation, approached her teachers and gave them a hug. When asked what her name was and how old she was, she readily answered. Then Teacher Matz asked her if she wanted to see the classrooms. Without glancing at us (and perhaps completely forgetting that we were there), she immediately held on to her teacher and went with her to the classroom.

And I always thought and imagined we'll have a hard time convincing Caitlin to go with her teacher!

Anyway, here's Caitlin in her classroom...

After a few minutes, she showed no signs of looking for us so we decided to leave and have lunch, then come back to fetch her at 2pm (the Toddler class lasts for 2 hours).

As we left, I couldn't help but feel happy and sad at the same time. I was happy because my baby was now really a big girl. And I was sad because my baby was now really a big girl. Do I make any sense?

And talk about separation anxiety! I think I was the one who had the axiety, not Caitlin.

So anyway, we got back to the school at around 1:30pm. We asked one of the yayas there (they have yayas assigned per class to assist the students) if Caitlin looked for us or cried at all. We were told she did but only because she didn't want to pack up her toys and put them back on the shelves since it was time for Music & Play class. The yaya also said that she looked for her Mommy but just continued with what she was doing when they told her that I was just outside waiting for her.

At 2pm, we were surprised to see her crying as she came out of her classroom.

Teacher Matz told us that she started to cry when they began to sing their goodbye song. I guess she didn't want to go yet. Haha!

I think Caitlin liked the experience since she answered 'Yes' when Teacher Matz asked her if she will see her on the next class. She even gave her teacher a 'high five' before heading home.

November 9th was the 2nd day of her trial class. I didn't go with her then; Papa Ning and Mama Sit took her to school. This time she cried and didn't want to be left there. But she still went with her teacher when it was time for class to start. Though, she wasn't crying anymore when they fetched her.

After her 2 trial classes, we asked Caitlin if she liked school and if she likes to continue. She said yes. So last Monday, we enrolled her in KIDS Academy's Toddler Class (M-W-F, 2hrs/day).

Caitlin's now officially a school girl!

Where's Caitlin?

Awards!

Wow, I never thought I'd get awards for my blog. So it was such a nice surprise to receive the following awards from friends.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I got this Nice Matters award from Meeya of Confessions of a Domesticated Party Girl a few weeks ago. She says:

"Cez is as nice as any friend can get. Once upon a time, we shared the same office building. When we first met, she saw me in all my buntis glory. To say that she remained to become a good friend of mine despite seeing the not-so-attractive bumpy-lumpy side of me says a lot about how nice she really is. Hehe! I just love her conversations with her super kulit cutie Caitlin and I’m sure she’ll have a lot more to come with her new baby coming around soon! Mommy Cez, I hope you’ll love this award."

Mama Mee, I sure did! It was a very pleasant surprise. Thanks!

Now, according to the rules, the Nice Matters Award goes out to:

"Those who are just nice people, good blog friends, and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those who care about others, who are there to lend support, or those who are just a positive influence in our blogging world."

Here are my awardees:

Jen of I came, I saw, I blogged... the return

~ Jen has been (and still is) a constant chatmate eversince I can't remember. We've talked about anything and everything under the sun -- from married life to happy moments to embarrassing moments to frustrations to kababawans -- anything! Thanks, Jen. I hope di ka magsawa sa pagkausap sa akin. Haha! Enjoy the award! :)


Cata of Simply Me

~ I just love reading Cata's blog which contains mostly of stories and conversations with her cute and witty little boy, Meg. I'm sure there'll be a lot more with her new baby coming real soon (as in, real soon!). Cata, I hope you'll like this award :)

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I received the Egel Nest Blog Award from Toni of Paul, Toni and Lance -- Bridging The Distance.

Thanks Toni! This was a nice surprise!

Brad Egel originally created this award and started the egg rolling to pass the love around. So now, I'm passing the love to all the WifeSpeaks misis.

Pregnancy Update

I'm exactly 18 weeks pregnant today (around 4 months and 1 week). How time flies!

Unfortunately, though I'm already past my first trimester, I still experience morning (noon and night) sickness from time to time.

During my ob-gyne visit last September, I lost 5 lbs due to morning sickness. How I wish I can lose that weight easily when I'm not pregnant! My doctor just gave me more vitamins and supplements to compensate for the nutrients I keep losing due to my constant throwing up.

Then just last week, I had my monthly ob-gyne visit (for October). I was hoping I gained a few pounds. And I did, but just 2 lbs. I didn't even recover the 5 lbs I previously lost. Actually, I don't really want to gain a lot of weight. I just want to keep to the normal weight gain limit for pregnant women (especially because I'm on the heavy side). But I can't help but worry that my baby isn't getting the nutrition he/she needs. So I asked my doctor if that was just okay. She told me it's fine and that my appetite should gradually increase after my fourth month.

Aside from my weight concerns, I've been experiencing sharp pains in my lower abdomen since last Thursday. I informed my ob-gyne about this during my last visit. She told me to take it easy and rest. She didn't require me to go on bedrest since I didn't have any bleeding. No strenuous activites and no lifting/carrying of heavy loads though. She also told me not to carry Caitlin anymore :( And this is what saddened me the most. But I know, it's all for the best. I'll just have to settle for hugs and kisses and having Caitlin sit on my lap most of the time.

Ang Flying Kiss

Last Saturday, naglalaro si Caitlin and si Ninong Noel sa living room. Si little girl, ang hilig mag-flying kiss. So si Ninong nya, nag-flying kiss din sa kanya.

Caitlin stretched out her arm and caught the "flying kiss". Sabi nya, "kuha ko".

Then, lumapit sya kay Ninong, gave her hand (that caught the kiss) to him and said, "soli ko na".

Hahahaha!!! Binalik nya yung kiss! :D

My 2nd Baby's First Picture

Grabe! Kaliit-liit nya, pero super likot!

Who is Cookie Monster?

Me: Caitlin, ano name ni mommy?
Caitlin: Cez

Me: Ano name ni daddy?
Caitlin: Mah-lon (Marlon)

Me: (pointing at Mama Sit) Ano name ni Mama Sit?
Caitlin: (just looks at me)

Me: Name ni Mama Sit, Rosita. Ano name ni Mama Sit?
Caitlin: Rosita

Me: Ano uli name ni Mama Sit?
Caitlin: Rosita

Me: Eh si Papa Ning, anong name?
Caitlin: Cookie Monster!

Hahaha!!!

Apparently, she associated Rosita with Sesame Street's monster Rosita.

:D

Don't you just hate morning sickness?

Since I found out I was pregnant with baby #2, I have been more atuned with the symptoms and changes in my body brought about by the pregnancy.

And the thing I hate most about being pregnant is the whole day (and I mean WHOLE DAY)bouts with morning sickness. I've been throwing up almost everything I eat. I can't seem to find any food that is agreeable with my tummy.

I just hope this doesn't last throughout my entire pregnancy.

Just took the test...

... during my lunch break.

"Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away..."

"Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet
Can you tell me how to get
How to get to Sesame Street"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Eversince news came out about Sesame Street Live having a show in Manila (and having seen a live Sesame Street show when I was a kid), we decided to take Caitlin and watch it. We bought tickets for their July 21 show weeks before the show and we slowly prepared Caitlin for it since it will be her first "theater" experience.

We woke up really early last Saturday. We wanted to go to Aliw Theater real early since we didn't know how the traffic is going to be and where the parking lots are located. We arrived a little past 9am (and the show was not until 11am!). But we weren't the first ones there. We saw a few families walking outside the venue, their kids tugging their favorite sesame street character stuffed toy and/or wearing their favorite sesame street shirt (Caitlin included).

Fortunately, there were some restaurants in the area that were already open so we decided to have breakfast while waiting.

Then, a little past 10am, we went back to the theater to line up. Good thing they were already letting people in and we didn't have to wait long. Before we went in, I took some pictures.




There were still a few people when we got in the theater so I took the opportunity to take more pictures.







The show started at around 11:30am (30 mins later than what was indicated on the tickets). At first, Caitlin got scared when the lights were dimmed but she started clapping and and dancing as soon as she saw Elmo on stage!

We had really good seats (6th row, center aisle). Caitlin got a good view of the characters (Rosita and Cookie Monster (during the 1st half of the show); and Telly and Elmo(during the 2nd half of the show)) when they went off the stage to greet the audience. Rosita and Telly even shook her hand. Unfortunately, my camera won't cooperate when it was Telly's and Elmo's turn to greet the audience so I wasn't able to take some close up pictures of Elmo :(

Here are some pictures taken during the show.













Overall, it was a good 90-minute show.


I think I enjoyed it more than Caitlin did!