As early as now, my mind sometimes gets filled with party ideas for our baby’s baptismal party happening perhaps in August. Not only that, I started thinking of themes to use if in case the baby’s birthday comes close to Mikee’s birthday. Meaning, we will have to celebrate the baby’s first birthday and Mikee’s 6th birthday with just one big party.

I wonder if it would be a big deal for the 2 kids to celebrate their birthdays with just one party. It might not be while they were young but I wonder years from now, what would the younger one feel if everybody gets gaga thinking over big sister’s 18th birthday gifts on his/her 13th birthday. See? It’s different when you’re young, and when you’re in your teens. As they say, feelings are magnified and more focused on when you’re in your teens. These are the times when you feel the world should revolve around you. Or your parents are against your total happiness.

Geez, I should stop worrying, especially during pregnancy. I still have 13 years to do that.

Last Saturday was my scheduled checkup with my OB. Husband was on the other side of the house, so I texted him. Then I heard his mobile phone few feet away from me. Tsk tsk. So I went down and asked yaya to approach him to remind him that it’s my check up today, and it’s time for him to take his bath. Yaya nodded, so I assumed she heard and understood what I had just said.

After I took my bath, husband asked me why I told the yaya that somebody called, and that it’s very urgent. OMG! It only meant that the yaya didn’t hear a word that I told her, and just assumed things to tell my husband. I would have let go of this yaya a long time ago, if she’s not so dependable when it comes to taking care of our little girl.

Anyway, while waiting for my OB, the husband roamed around the mall looking for cheap car insurance, and checking cars on display to bide time. I will only have to call him when it’s my turn.

We waited for 2 hours, and the checkup just took 15 minutes. Sigh. Though I must admit it was reassuring to hear our baby’s heartbeat again. But we were advised to have ultrasound rather on our next visit just to make sure we have the correct gender.

Few weeks ago, my little girl approached me with a mouse from her toy laptop and asked me “plants and zombies?”

I’ve been out of the loop for so long that I had no idea what it was. Well, I knew it is a game, but not sure if it’s played in psp, facebook or online. When I asked friends, I was told that it is an online game and it is actually “plants vs zombies”.

Now I finally understand why she kept telling me Michael Jackson’s costume is a zombie. I honestly thought she saw the “Thriller” video over YouTube.

Yeah, am I old or what?

As much as I want to browse and stay on top of what’s going on with my friends, I noticed that I hardly have the energy to even turn on laptop computers around the house. I always feel sleepy and tired. But unlike my previous pregnancy, I get to watch the tv these days. You see, I have no choice because my little girl always wants to watch either Nick or Disney channel. Just earlier today, I cried (for the nth time) over Toy Story 3, even before the tear-jerker scene. Tsk tsk.

Last week, I saw a nice pair of rubber shoes that the husband might be interested in. But I didn’t get the chance to check its price and if they have it in his size. You see, I was looking for a costume for my daughter for their Christmas program the following day. Their class was tasked to come in Spanish attire. I actually saw the perfect costume (as shown below) but it’s only available in size 9, and my daughter is just size 6.

What’s a mother to do? What else but improvise!

More than a month ago, I thought of a plan.

I just wanted a Fairytale (princess) Dora doll. I need a doll with the height same as Barbie’s, and at the same time, I wanted it to be easy-to-wash and kind of waterproof so …a plush is not an option.

But I couldn’t find a nice Fairytale Dora doll that’s within my budget.

When I saw this. It reminded me that she wants a mermaid costume for Trick or Treat (yes something for October and she’s been planning about it since January)

So there, Dora and mermaid in one. I know it’s a winner.
This one floats and swims.

I frantically asked my friends where and how to get Mermaid Dora in the fastest way possible. While I was browsing www.bestslimmingpills.org, multitasking, I found the doll on ebay. I have it shipped to an aunt in California, who has a friend who came to Manila few days before the school party.

Mermaid Dora, aside from being the birthday gift, has another role, which is why our daughter gets to meet her only during her school party.

So here she is, during the school party. Tada!

(Yes that’s a doll cake )

Our darling daughter turned four!

Last Sunday, while everyone else in the US were celebrating their Independence day, we were busy cooking in the kitchen. I kept “tasting” the food I ended up feeling full before the party started. Too bad I was supposed to be on a low-sugar diet, because the previous week I was trying to learn more about the connection between pimples at my age and sweets.

Relatives and some friends came to celebrate and the little girl was happy. She had no idea what/who was waiting for her the following day in her school party

It’s mothers’ day. We were on our way to my parents’ house but I kept thinking if my mom would be happy with our gifts for her.

But anyway, she looked happy to see her grand daughter again. Good thing my daughter was in a good mood today. In fact, she kept asking my brother if she could borrow the violin and play it. Wow, looks like my daughter has another inclination. Or, is it just my wishful thinking? Hehehe.

I love travelling with the husband and the daughter. Without these two teddy bears in tow, it felt like I left part of myself when I went on vacation with my mom and sister. I must admit though, that when travelling with others, I can bring anything that I want, like a tripod for example.

With my daughter, there’s always a need to bring her stroller especially to countries that entail long walks like what we did in Hong Kong. Although this baby jogger city mini is a big help because it’s lightweight yet sturdy.

If you ask me, a tripod is way lighter than a stroller. But I would rather have camera shake than be tired and stressed from carrying around a whiny toddler.

Today, I went to the office instead of working from home. I attended a parenting seminar that the company gave. Well, I am a member of the club who organized (but not one of those who helped haha) so I thought I should support by attending.

I learned some important things. One parent asked what the (behavioral and developmental specialist) doctor’s take on allowing the kids to play video games like the xbox 360.

The doctor shared that playing video games is very much like watching tv. It is ok if done in moderation. She advised the parents to encourage other activities that promote multiple attention, like playing in the field, or helping in the kitchen. She advised that parents allow their kids to play their favorite video games on Friday nights and Saturdays, leaving Sundays for family time.

It is also recommendable that the kid plays with a parent or a sibling. This could serve as bonding time, as well. Although, she said that it’s more ideal to play for less than 3 hours. This, only if the child has no behavioral or developmental concerns.

She strongly discourages it though if the child doesn’t talk much, or hardly interacts with other people.