Earth Hour 2009

I joined the millions or billions of people who turned off their lights on March 28, 2009 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Read more here...

Undescended Testis

When I brought Dwyn to a pedia last December for his allergies, the doctor checked his balls and she said it was undescended. From then on, we've been checking his balls. More often than not, they were undescended. Sometimes, they go down. When we brought Dwyn to his real pedia 2 weeks ago for his rashes, I asked his pedia to check if his balls were really undescended. When she checked them, they were indeed undescended. She told us if that's really the case, Dwyn should undergo an operation to bring his balls down to the scrotal sac before he turns 3 years old. Eh, he'll be turning 3 this May, so the operation should be done ASAP. Otherwise, Dwyn won't be able to have kids later on. And believe me, I want him to have sooooooooooo many kids. So, she requested for Dwyn's scrotal ultrasound.

When I had Dwyn's ultrasound, the result showed undescended testis, bilateral. Thinking Dwyn needs to undergo an operation, di na ako masyado mapalagay. I was worried and I was trying to convince myself I should let Dwyn undergo an operation. I was nervous coz I never went through an operation when I was a kid. My first ever operation was when I gave birth to Dwyn via C-section. So, I had half a heart and mind about the operation. I was really scared with just the thought of my little boy undergoing an operation. But like what my sister said, paoperahan ko na daw kesa maging kawawa naman daw si Dwyn later on.

So, his pedia referred us to a pediatric surgeon. The surgeon checked Dwyn and he said that Dwyn's case is not of undescended testis, but of retractile testis. This means that sometimes his balls are up, sometimes they're down. I shouldn't be worried about it. I will have grandchildren. An operation is unnecessary coz his balls will eventually settle in its scrotal sac between 10-12 years old. He also said that an undescended testis is usually congenital, which should be operated on before the child turns 2 years old. But retractile testis is common among toddlers. So, no worries.

Thank God for that! It's hard when a kid is sick. It's worse when the kid needs an operation.

Btw, only his pedia was able to cure Dwyn's rashes. I've brought him to several doctors from pedia to derma, but it's been almost 2 months and Dwyn still had rashes. Finally, we decided to bring him to his real pedia (his pedia since birth), and viola his rashes were gone. I love his pedia so much! She's really good. That's why she has soooooooooooo many patients.

I lost Dwyn at the mall

Yes, I did! We went to Trinoma last Thursday coz Dwyn wanted to go there. We went to Timezone first because he wanted to play there, ride the carousel, the train, airplane, balloon wheel, etc. Then, we had lunch. Afterwards, we went to Landmark to look for a kinky stuff for Jero's shower, gift for Euge and Jac's wedding and offertory candles for Erbe and Jero's wedding. I was just walking coz I was already tired. Dwyn was running a few feet away from me. I checked my phone if I have text messages. When I looked up, I didn't see Dwyn anymore. I followed the path where I last saw him. But he was not there. He was gone. I went back and traced my footsteps coz he might be there. He was not. I called out his name. No answer. I tried listening for his cry. There was none. I started to panic. In my confusion, I didn't know what to do first: cry, look for the customers' service which I couldn't locate, stay at the place where Dwyn last saw me or look for him but where will I start.

Fortunately, I saw two security guards. I immediately sought their help. I said I lost my son. I described Dwyn about this tall, wearing a white shirt saying ladies men, around 2 years old. You know, i can't even seem to remember what my son was wearing in all the panic and confusion I was feeling.

I was soooooooo frightened because there's a chance that he might be kidnapped kasi uso yun di ba? But i didn't hear him crying. Baka umakyat or bumaba sya sa escalator.

Fortunately, the guard I asked for help found him wandering alone at the same floor where I last saw him. He was clueless that he was lost already. When I saw him, I immediatetly hugged him and told him don't do that again. And then I was able to breathe.

I was so thankful that the guards didn't hesitate in helping me out.

When another lady guard saw me with Dwyn, she told me that she saw Dwyn wandering alone. Nalibot ni Dwyn ang buong floor, patakbo-takbo, palakad-lakad, at parang nagwiwindow shopping. They were wondering how come Dwyn was alone. They waited for Dwyn to cry so they will bring him to the customers' service, but Dwyn didn't cry. Naglalaro lang daw talaga si Dwyn.

You know the first time I saw a child na nakatali and the other end nakatali sa mom, I said I won't do that. I found it cruel kasi parang aso yung bata. But now that I experienced losing Dwyn, that sounds really good. So kahit magtatakbo si Dwyn di sya mawawala sa paningin ko. And also I will now put my name and contact number in his pockets para sure.

Gaining Weight 101

I've realized that when you are a mom, it's easier to gain weight and become fat once your child starts eating real food. After giving birth, I was able to lose the weight I gained when I was pregnant by simply breastfeeding. Surely, breastfeeding did all the wonders for me because I don't exercise and do any dieting. But I started gaining weight again when my son started eating. More so, when he started becoming a picky eater. I give Dwyn his own food. However, most of the time, after 3 spoons, he would say no more na. Unfortunately, if I cannot force him to finish his food, I always end up eating it. Why? Para di sayang! And after a year of doing it, I've regained half of the weight I lost a month after giving birth. Add to that, the fact that my metabolism is starting to become really slower than before.

Holiday Glass Frames

Because it's already Christmas, there are now Holiday Glass Frames From Zenni Optical. These frames are made with Christmas as the inspiration for the design. For example, there is a design of candle and Christmas stockings, a frame inspired by Santa's beard. The popular online eyeglasses shop has come up with several holiday frames that you can still wear even though the Christmas season is over. And these glass frames are still very much affordable. Remember, Zenni Optical offers $ 8 Complete Rx Eyeglasses. I looked at their selection, and I found this cute. Although I cannot use it because it's for kids, but if I can go back in time when I once wore nerdy looking corrective glasses when I was in Grade 5, I'd rather choose this fun eyeglasses. It's also available in clear blue, clear purple and clear pink

My Hometown featured in Umagang Kay Ganda

My hometown Sto. Tomas (Tabing Bakod) Sta. Maria, Bulacan was featured earlier this morning in Umagang Kay Ganda. It was featured as a Christmas Village. The christmas lights were all contributed by the residents of the barangay. It symbolizes the unity among the residents of the barangay. It is a project of Kapitana Lilian Ramos that has come a long way. Our barangay has also come a long way. The Christmas lights and decorations are really a sight to behold. I'm proud to have come from Tabing Bakod. I am a Bulakeña through and through.

I have posted the pictures of our barangay here. Check it out!

Dwyn's poses

I had these photos taken I think a month or less before Dwyn was hospitalized last August.













I'm not saying this because I'm his mom, but he just looks cute in these photos, right?

Zenni Optical on Fox News

A few months ago, I wrote about Zenni Optical, which offers really nice and affordable eyeglasses. Because of their affordable yet stylish prescription glasses, they stirred some buzz about their prescription eyeglasses. Thus, Zenni Optical was on Fox News! Check this video of Zenni on Fox.

Zenni Optical commits on providing people with Great Eyeglasses For Less. The eyeglasses are inexpensive because they come from Zenni's factories directly to their customers. No middleman is involved. There are Variable Dimension Frames From Zenni to choose from. I particularly like this eyeglass and it only costs $29.95. It is classy and can go with any outfit and it looks like my son can't destroy it in one instance.

Medical concerns: My Bell's Palsy and Dwyn's Acute Gastroenteritis

Three weeks ago, I got really sick. After coming back from the mall, where I had Dwyn photographed in a studio, my ear and head ached. I had a low-grade fever. I didn't go to a doctor immediately. Actually, even if I was told to visit a doctor, I didn't oblige. I just took the pain reliever that my OB prescribed after I gave birth to ease the pain on my ear and then took some Biogesic for the headache. It was tough getting sick because we had no househelp then. I had a lot of household chores to do but I was really not feeling well. Somehow, the pain subsided but there was still ringing in my ear. And my left ear got swollen and I somehow became a little deaf. I didn't go to the doctor yet again. The following week, I thought I was feeling better. But then, things got worse. Tuesday night, my cousin noticed that only my right eye closes. The next morning, I was shocked when I saw myself on the mirror na nakatabingi ang mukha ko. Nakangiwi ako! I tried opening my mouth pero di na sya pantay. I thought it was because of my contact lens kasi luma na. I removed my contact lens and tried to hide my condition from other people. Thursday, I was getting more scared. I thought I was having a stroke. I was having a hard time eating coz I couldn't get the food off properly from the spoon. Even drinking from the straw was hard. My left eye would cry, while the other eye would remain dry. Come Friday, I was vomitting already. That's when I decided to see a doctor. Honestly, I felt I was already dying. I was then worried for Dwyn if something happens to me. I visited a neurologist and a physical medicine doctor. They confirmed I have Bell's Palsy. Fortunately, it's still mild. I was given steroids and I need therapy. My concern this time: Dwyn is still breastfeeding. We tried to stop the breastfeeding but Dwyn obliged for only one night. The following day, he wanted to breastfeed again. I consulted a pediatrician friend and she said my medicine has no effect on breastfeeding and I continue breastfeeding him.

Sunday lunch time, it was just Dwyn and me at home. He pooped. I changed his diaper then he took his nap, without eating lunch. When he woke up, he started vomitting. From 1:30-4pm, he vomitted 6 times and pooped twice. I was panicking! I didn't know what to do first. I decided to rush him to the ER. Sobrang tamlay ni Dwyn dahil humihiga na sya talaga sa sahig. On the way to the hospital, he vomitted again inside the taxi. When we reached the ER, he was given hydrite. He became active. So, he was discharged. Then, he pooped twice after being discharged. His poop was watery. I was advised to observe him for 48 hours. His poop afterwards had intervals of 4 hours each.

Monday, I went to an ENT to have my ear checked. I had herpesoster, which caused my Bell's Palsy. I declined to take any antibiotic coz I am still breastfeeding Dwyn. Without my breastmilk, Dwyn would have no source of milk at all. So, the doctor just gave me ointment for my ear.

Tuesday, we brought Dwyn to his pedia because he's still not ok. His pedia decided to admit him to the hospital because for 2 days he's not been taking any solid food and his poop was not just watery, but it was really water. They put a dextrose on him. Somehow, he regained his strength but no improvement with his poop and appetite. We had to stay in the hospital for 4 days until Dwyn stopped to poop and he started eating solid food. He really lost a lot of weight.

Dwyn is now ok, although he's only eating rice and lots and banana. I have stories to tell about our hospital experience but I'll try to do that some other time coz Dwyn is now irritated that I've been on the computer long enough.

Dwyn's Bounce Experience

Last June 1, Dwyn celebrated his 2nd birthday party at Bounce Pasig. The venue was the perfect choice for Dwyn because Dwyn and the other kids, and even some adults too, had a blast at the play area. Dwyn particularly enjoyed the caterpillar slide, where he played even on his own. I saw him several times falling in line, being assisted by a Bounce staff, then sliding on his own. Dwyn also enjoyed the bouncer and even the balls scattered in the play area. When it's time for Dwyn to blow his birthday cake candle outside the play area, he was crying so hard because we brought him outside of the play area. It seemed that Dwyn didn't want to leave Bounce's play area. He would cry everytime we would carry him outside of the play area. Bounce was really the perfect party venue for Dwyn. He had too much fun that he didn't shout mommy during the party. He didn't mind that I wasn't there beside him because I hosted the games. We had sack race, balloon pop and find the ball for kids. And we also had catch the ball for moms and sons and balloon pop for adults. But I would say, the inflatables per se are more than enough to entertain the kids already. I had a hard time getting their attention so we could start with the games! If only I can afford it, I would convert our house to a mini-Bounce that Dwyn could enjoy everyday.

Here are some pictures of Dwyn at his Bounce party:













I highly recommend Bounce if you want a fun and enjoyable party for your kids. The staff are very nice and helpful, and even the owners, Rich and Maloy, are very accommodating and helpful too. Based on Dwyn's experience, Bounce was the perfect party venue for him.

$ 8 Complete Prescription Eyeglasses + Case

After my first semester in law school, I started wearing prescription glasses. Since then, I've been wearing prescription glasses everyday. The one I'm currently wearing falls off easily when my nose gets sweaty or when I look down. If I don't wear my eyeglass, my vision is really blurred. You bet, I've been dying to change my current eyeglass. It's torn, the lens fall off, and even when the lens don't fall off, they are like to pop out of the frame anytime. I'm lucky to find that there exists a much cheaper eyeglasses than the ones I've had previously. At $8, I can get a new eyeglass. Yes, just $8. Pretty cheap actually. Check out $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglasses. They have high quality stylish frame (something I look for), thin and light 1.57 index lens, anti scratch coating and UV protection (which make the other eyeglasses more expensive), lens edge polishing and beveling, quality hard eyeglass case and microfiber lens cleaning cloth. And they all come for free!!! I got really interested in these eyeglasses believe me. They really look nice. And $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglasses are cheap because they sell directly to their customers. It is a personal fashion style. Everything you need to know regarding their products is on their website. They have single single vision eyeglasses, bifocal eyeglasses, sunglasses. So, check $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglasses too.

Tired

Without a househelp, I've been pretty much doing all the household chores, not to mention taking care of Dwyn who seems to cry every so often once he notices that I'm not around. I'm somewhere else around the house either cooking, washing the dishes, doing the laundry (and I do Dwyn's laundry by hand), pressing our clothes, cleaning our bathroom, etc. I've totally neglected this blog and I've really not been diligent in doing my bloghopping activities. I have not visited my blogger friends for quite some time now. My apologies. I'll catch up with you when things get lighter for me. For those who still visit me here, thank you so much for still checking on me once in a while. I really appreciate it. Hay! I'm really, really tired. It makes me want to wander off somewhere where I can be alone. Somewhere serene where I can finally be at peace.

Medical Career

For the past few years, one industry that has been attracting increased attention is the medical field. In fact, countries have been working hard and have been promoting their respective medical tourism. Furthermore, it's very common now a days for someone to study nursing, caregiving and the like. Everything related to the medical field is very in demand because it is no longer limited to doctors and nurses but also encompasses those who assist the doctors and nurses in giving care to patients.

Medical career trainings are therefore being offered almost everywhere. Medical-career-training.com provides information for available career options and the leading institutions for those who want to join the medical field. Whether you are a newbie or you want to get the latest trend you can find it on medical-career-training.com. It offers information on ultrasound tech. Medical-career-training.com also provides information on ultrasound tech school. You can find which one provides the best information and education on ultrasound tech. Ultrasound technicians help doctors in operating those machines and computers used for taking ultrasound of pregnant women and others that require ultrasound. The best ultrasound technician school can be found in this site.

With the help that medical-career-training.com provides, you can be assured that you are on the right track whether you want to be a part of the medical field or just exploring said field.

Resignation!

I resigned from my virtual lawyer job yesterday. I didn't explain my reasons why and I had plenty of concerns. But the thing is, I was not the only one who resigned. All three virtual lawyers resigned and the boss was left with no lawyer at all. So, there must be something wrong when all three lawyers resigned on the same day. Now, I have no money to spend.

Can anybody please suggest to me a good business idea? At least simple business ideas. Hehehe.

Season's Greetings!

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

How to Brush Your Teeth

Rants about the Househelp

I've been really busy to even have time to blog. Work lately has been driving me crazy. But I can't pass not to rant on this topic: the househelp.

Last, last Thursday night, she told me that she needed to go to her mom in Malabon last Saturday night and she'll be back by Sunday lunch. Even though I told her before that I want a several days notice if she wants to have a day off, I didn't get mad when she asked for a permission to have a day off with such a short notice. I just told her that I don't like short notices if she wants to have a day off.

Last Saturday, we went to Landmark. Dwyn was in the cart and the househelp was watching over him, while I was looking at some bread. Then, Dwyn cried and I heard a lady sort of screamed in surprise. So, I faced Dwyn and the househelp, immediately carried Dwyn and asked the househelp what happened. So the househelp explained to me. I got irritated with her on how Dwyn got hurt while she's supposedly watching him. I asked which body part of Dwyn got hurt and how he got hurt. I got offended with the way the househelp answered me. She raised her voice while explaining, as if she's irritated too. I felt humiliated in front of other people that my househelp was answering me back. I let it passed. I didn't make a big deal out of it.

So, after Landmark, the househelp had her day off. Supposedly, she was to be back last Sunday at lunch time. Lunch came and there was no househelp. By Sunday afternoon, she texted me saying she was in Bulacan with her mom and aunt and that she'll probably be back in the evening. Evening came and passed, still no househelp. I texted her a couple of times as to what time she'll be back. I received no reply. Monday came. I already called our househelp coz she didn't even have the courtesy to reply to my text. She said she had no load and the reloading stations were far, that she'll be back and they'll be leaving Bulacan around 10am. You see, I'm a Bulakeña by blood, so I pretty well know or at least I have an idea how far Bulacan is. Lunch came and still no househelp. The househelp returned by 4pm. When I saw her, I didn't even get mad. I just told her "wag mo na ulit uulitin yan." That's all I said.

When we went to Trinoma last Wednesday, I even bought her a gift for Christmas, which she herself chose. She told me one night that she can't even buy the necklace she wanted from Silverworks which costs P300. And take note, the one she chose when I told her to choose the necklace she wanted was around P700 and not just P300.

Last Friday, I met with friends Tin and Robin to get their wedding invitation. While we're having lunch at Chicken Bacolod Inasal in Trinoma, Dwyn bumped his head on one table and cried, under the watch of the househelp. I asked which part got hurt. I didn't get mad. It was an accident, what can I do? While Dwyn was walking around the mall while the househelp was following him and Dwyn fell, I didn't even react. It was an accident.

But last Friday dinner, I think it's an entirely different story. The househelp was watching over Dwyn, supposedly. Dwyn was closing the door in the kitchen and the househelp was right behind him, just few inches away from him. She saw that Dwyn's fingers was about to get stuck in the door, but she didn't stop the door from closing just in time. So, Dwyn got hurt. My instant reaction was to get mad at the househelp. That's the third time Dwyn got hurt in one day under her watch. I let pass the first two incidents as accidents, but the third one was really not an accident. She was able to anticipate what would happen that's why she tried to block the door from closing but she was too late already coz Dwyn got hurt already. Dwyn was really crying so hard. And so I told the househelp that she's not really taking care of Dwyn when I tell her to watch over Dwyn. And you know what the househelp did? She answered me back and raised her voice at me!!! I got even angrier at her because of that. She said "eh hindi naman natin mapipigilan ang aksidente." I felt like I having a brawl with my sister, and as far as I remember, I only have one sister and not two. I was very much offended that a househelp answered me back when I had every right to get mad at her. Take note, that was the first time I got mad at this househelp. And she was the first househelp I've encountered who answers back to her boss. So, I really shouted at her and told her that she's bastos and doesn't respect me and I told her what right does she have to raise her voice at me. She answered me back with that raised tone of hers, saying "ate, nirerespeto kita. pero kung ipagpipilitan mo na hindi aksidente yun..." If I was only so rude, I could have slapped her really. I know an accident when I see one and I know which one is not accident. She was standing behind Dwyn, saw what was about to happen, but tried to stop the door only at the very last minute. What would I think? She's not taking care of Dwyn after all. I even asked her if that happened to her child, wouldn't she get mad? And she said "natural magagalit ka kasi nasaktan ang mahal mo." What really made boiling mad at her was the way she answered me back. Other househelps I've had or seen do not answer their employers that way. Even I don't do that to my boss.

The following morning, the househelp told me that she'll leave already, with all her things packed. This was around 6am, while I was giving Dwyn a bath because he had a scheduled check up then!!! Imagine that! I got mad at her again and told her that I can't even get mad at her when she has done something wrong. And when I berate her, she would just leave. I even said I'm not even firing her. This time, her tone was low and humble and she said that she just wasn't able to stop the door on time because she's holding a plate on one hand. I told her that the previous night she was saying it was an accident, and her tone was not that humble and I also told her how many hands does she need to close and open a door.

The househelp is still here with us: the agreement is for her to stay until we find another househelp. D. told her to take extra caution when taking care of Dwyn and told her not to raise her voice at me when I get mad at her. D. told her that my reaction to get mad at her was just normal.

Honestly, I feel like she's abusing the leeway I've been giving her. And she's been with us for just 3 months only.

If this happens to you what would you do?

Bettercaring

Sometimes, it gets tough to care for someone we love and it seems we can't provide all that they need. I've read about other people's parents who got sick and they had trouble providing what their parents needed, financially or otherwise. For these people, bringing their loved ones in a nursing home was the better solution. For them, it doesn't mean that they don't love their parents or they don't care for them. It's just that given their situation, it seems to be the best option. Of course, this would meet a lot of reluctance from their parents. Who would really want to be put in a care home actually? But, when you need help, then it can be an option. You just have to choose the proper nursing home. For example, there is Bettercaring, which provides service for anyone who needs help about care for themselves or their loved ones. Bettercaring provides several care options that are available to enable you to get the right kind of care that you want and you're looking for. You can read daily care news and views, and receive tips on from care experts from Bettercaring. They also have a community forum that allows users to discuss their own experiences within the care system.

Why oh why?

Why is it that my little baby can say daddy, papa and tita, but he still can't (or doesn't want to) say mommy? And his vocabulary or the words that he can say just keep on growing. I've been teaching him for ages to say mommy, to no avail. Sigh, sigh, sigh. Worse, when you ask him "where's mommy?", he'll look up at the ceiling to search for me there. And I'll say (as always) that I'm here and not up there. When he sees his tita's pictures, he'll say tita. When he sees his papa (lolo) or when he's talking to his papa on the phone, he'll say papa non-stop. He says daddy and he even says his dad's name. When you ask him where's lola, he'll search for my mom's photo and point to it and say there. But me, I'm with him 24/7 and he still doesn't want to say mommy or even acknowledge me when people ask him where's mommy. Hay. You can only imagine how much I've been wanting him say mommy or hear him call me mommy. Just 2 nights ago, I taught him to point to himself when I ask where's Dwyn, and he immediately remembered it. Now, whenever you ask him where's Dwyn, he'll point to himself. I also taught him to point to me when someone asks him where's mommy. Stubborn, stubborn baby! So yeah, he's still not pointing to me and he's still refusing to say mommy.

*****

Why does Dwyn love to bite? I know you'll say he must be teething. That's what everyone told me. No, he's not teething. He just loves to bite, ever since he got his first tooth. He loves biting me!!! I have bruises on my shoulders and on my chest because he's always biting me. When he hugs me on my back, the next thing he'll do is bite! When I'm lying down and he'll lie on top of me, he'll bite me on my chest. I really always wiggle my way out of his teeth, short of throwing him! His bites really hurt!!! Sometimes, I am always close to tears. But my angel is enjoying every bite. I have a piranha at home!!! Lol! But whatever he's doing to me is nothing compared to when he bit his dad on the nose a couple of times on different occasions. Ouch!!! Hahaha. Fortunately (thank God!), he doesn't bite when he's nursing from me. Some people would ask me whether it hurts when I'm breastfeeding him when he now has teeth. They usually ask whether he doesn't bite. Well, Dwyn bites on all other occasions, but not when nursing from me. Or else, he can forget about my milk. Lol!

*****

Why did I ever buy him his little toy drum set? Dwyn loves playing drums. He loves hitting and banging his Tita Riezl's drum set. It must be because he comes from a family of musically inclined people (not my side of the family for sure!). So, when we saw a toy drum set at Toys R Us in Trinoma, I bought it. Big mistake!!! I should have predicted it before I decided to buy the drums. Ever since I started with my virtual job, which requires me to be online at night (because that's daytime in New York as my boss is a New Yorker. So I go to sleep around 2-3am every time), Dwyn always wakes up ahead of me and he always wakes me up by doing all sorts of things, like talking endlessly on my ear, hugging me, playing with his toys around me. This morning, he found an effective way of waking me up. I deliberately ignored him as I wanted to sleep some more. I just had 2 hours sleep the night before so I wanted to make up for it, plus the weather is so cold and it would be great to sleep in this weather. You know what Dwyn did? He brought his drums on top of my head and he hit the cymbal!!!!! So, what else can I do but wake up and get out of bed, right?

Lessons Learned

From PR 3 to PR 2, now down to 0. Yes, unfortunately I lost any PR I had. And there goes my chance on paid blogging. So, it's kinda sad but I guess during the time that I entered the paid blogging world, there are lots of bloggers who are into this thing already and the competition is quite tough. It would have been nice. But, there are still other things I can do to earn a little extra on the side. I just have to ponder on that soon to get the ball rolling. Maybe, paid blogging isn't meant for me. But really, I never really cared about rankings until I decided to try paid blogging. With or without PR, what matters to me is that I still have my blog, where I am given a great opportunity to meet a lot of good friends online and where I'm able to share my stories about being a mom to Dwyn.

*****

Last, last week (I think), I turned my back on Dwyn while he was playing with his crayons. I faced the computer to chat with my good friend Maia. Lo and behold! Dwyn (thank God he is smart!) approached me. He tapped my shoulder to show me something. He was all smiles. And he was chewing something. I thought he was just playing around coz he loves pretending that he's eating something, until I saw something blue on his teeth. The nervous wreck mama in me panicked. I opened his mouth and there I saw the crushed crayon. I literally scraped the crayon from his mouth with my bare finger. And when I couldn't remove everything as some got stuck in his molar (yes, he has a molar already even if his front teeth are not yet complete. He has 4 upper teeth and 3 lower teeth, and then the next thing I knew he had a lone molar already! Isn't that weird? I find it weird.), I brushed his teeth with his toothbrush. Never mind if he was crying. I didn't know if I should rush him to the hospital or what. I had half a mind to rush him to the hospital immediately. But on second thought, I checked the box of the crayon and fortunately, I had the sense to buy the non-toxic crayons. And after a few minutes observation, nothing happened to Dwyn that should make me worry. Dwyn never put things in his mouth before, so I'm not worried about him eating his toys or whatever he can grab. That was the first time he ever put something in his mouth. From then on, I don't let him play with his crayons, unless it is under my watch.

*****

Last night, I removed my contact lens in front of Dwyn. A few minutes later, I noticed Dwyn doing something. He would put his hand on his eye, while holding my contact lens container. And then I realized, he was imitating me. It was funny coz he did it cutely. At the same time, it is a reminder to me that he has a mind of a sponge and I really need to be careful with what I do around him.

*****

As all of you can notice, I took a little break from blogging. I miss it a lot and I'm wondering how much I need to catch up on with all of your posts already (I promise, I'll catch up with all of you real soon!). But during those times that I am not blogging or blog hopping, I am with Dwyn. He is the reason why I didn't pursue law practice and decided to be a hands on mom. I really got addicted with blogging that there was a time that I was almost always on the internet blogging and blog hopping. I realized I've been spending less time with Dwyn because of it. But then, I reminded myself time flies so fast and I don't want to miss anything in Dwyn's life while he's still this young. This comes only once and if I missed the moment, I've missed it forever. He won't be a baby forever. I want to cherish every minute while he is my little baby and I can hug him and kiss him as much as I want to and he'll just smile to say he loves it. I am a stay at home mom because of this, because I want to always be there for Dwyn and see him grow up in front of my own two eyes. I want to take care of him personally. I don't want to miss it because I'm too hooked on the internet. I still need to figure out a time when I can do my blogging activities. But in the meantime, the time that I used to spend on blogging is now exclusively my Dwyn time. As it is, I'm ending it here for now, coz my little one is awake already from his afternoon nap.

Busy

Hi everyone!

My hands are quite full at the moment, so I haven't been able to blog or blog hop for the past few days. But, when my load gets lighter and I'm able to find extra time, I'll keep up with all your posts and also with your tags for me. Please bear with me for now. I'll catch up with all of you!

Always,

Ann

Autographs, Autographs!

I've never asked any actor or actress for an autograph, or any famous person at that. I guess I just never had a chance or my encounters with them were not appropriate autograph signing. The times that I saw famous people were during their quiet moments outside of their work. And I don't really want to deprive them of the few minutes as to which they can enjoy being somehow normal people, to go about their shopping sprees and dine in restaurants. I don't want to stalk them around. However, if it happens to be Julia Roberts, whom I love so much, I'll be that fan ready for my paper to get her autograph. Autograph of my favorite Hollywood superstar would like be a treasure that I will really keep. That's how much I love Julia Roberts. Autographs of all the famous people in the world would be a really great collection. Signed Photo of Keanu Reeves will really give me sweet dreams. Sometimes, with an autograph of a famous person, what is supposed to be a trash can become something precious. It is not easy to collect autographs of these famous people, from actors and actresses to sports legends to even politicians. But when you get them, they become collectible items. They are not just handwritten signatures. They are authentic signatures of those who we idolize and it would be really great to have them, or at least one autograph of our favorite superstar.

I am Sponge Bob Square Pants!

I got tagged by Eds with this:

Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?

A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.

Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.

Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.
Then ask your Friends to answer it. (Make sure to Highlight your answers)

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
.a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
.b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
.c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
.d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
.e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
.a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
.b) Alternative (1 pt.)
.c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
.d) Country (5 pts.)
.e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies= do you prefer?
.a) Comedy (2 pts.)
.b) Horror (1 pt.)
.c) Musical (3 pts.)
.d) Romance (4 pts.)
.e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4.. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
.a) Waiter (4 pts.)
.b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
.c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
.e) Cashier (1 pt)

5 . What do you do with your spare time?
.a) Exercise (5 pts.)
.b) Read (4 pts.)
.c) Watch television (2 pts.)
.d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
.e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
.a) Yellow (1 pt.)
.b) White (5 pts.)
.c) Sky Blue (3 pts.)
.d) Dark Blue (2 pts.)
.e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
.a) Snow (3 pts.)
.b) Pizza (2 pts.)
.c) Sushi (1 pt.)
.d) Pasta (4 pts.)
.e) Salad (5 pts.)

8 What is your favorite holiday?
.a) Halloween (1 pt.)
.b) Christmas (3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
.d) Valentine's Day (4 pts.)
.e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
.a) Paris (4 pts)
.b) Spain (5 pts)
.c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
.d) Hawaii (4 pts)
.e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
.a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
.b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
.c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
.d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
.e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for!

Put your character in the subject line and forward to your friends and back to the person that sent this to you.

Very interesting to see 'who' your friends are!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield :
You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to
have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what
you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may
not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:
You are fun, you are very cool and popular. You always know what's i n
and you are never are out of style You are good at knowing how to
satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days
more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but
only after you have had your share of fun times

(24-28 points) You are Elmo:
You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to
give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and
you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to
be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in
your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:
You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend
that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause
harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life
is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from
traitors and jealous people, and you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown: ( This is Me! )
You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious
about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom
every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few
Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points) You are Dexter:
You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted
with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong
family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad
situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a
while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!

Now don't spoil it! Have some Fun!!

This is fun! So, Liz, Kathy, Kristine and Angela, wanna try this?

Sentiments

On Dwyn:

Earlier today, while we're about to have breakfast, Dwyn fell from the chair while I was just a foot away from him pouring water in a glass. He was trying to reach for something and there in just a split second, there he was on the floor. His head didn't hit the ground coz my foot got there in time to save his head from what could have been a hard hit. I panicked! He cried and I carried him. That's when I noticed his mouth was bleeding. You see the only part of his body that didn't hit the ground was his head. His lips must have hit the table that's why he had a cut on his lower lip. I was and am still worried. Yesterday, while we're having our night time bath, he slipped on the bathroom floor while I was washing myself up. He couldn't stay in one place anymore, and when it's my turn to soap and rinse myself, he would walk around the bathroom, thus the fall. This happened again today. I've finished rinsing him, so it's my turn to lather myself with soap. While doing that, Dwyn walked around the bathroom again and since the floor was wet and slippery, he slipped again. No matter how many times I put him in one place, he would just constantly move around. Again, I'm really worried. He seems to be ok though, but I still need to watch out for any sign that he's been really hurt.

On Internet and Blogging:

I was inspired by Peachy's post to write about this. I've been quite addicted to the internet, especially with blogging. When I noticed this a couple of months ago, I've been struggling to resist the temptation that internet brings. At times, I'm successful. At other times, I fail. Once I get started, it's just hard to stop. Sometimes, to be able to surf the internet, blog and blog hop, I would turn the tv on Disney channel so Dwyn could watch or give Dwyn toys he can play with. I would get irritated sometimes when he would approach me to nurse or he would disturb me when I'm on the computer. I feel guilty whenever I do this. I thought about my priorities and Dwyn is most certainly at the top. I've already vouched before that I'd spend time teaching Dwyn the alphabet, numbers and so much more, tp the point of letting go of my internet time. Recently, I'm quite able to focus on that and less internet time for myself. I promised that my morning is Dwyn time. Sometimes, I still lose track of that, but I always keep reminding myself to spend more time with Dwyn than on the internet.

I'm first and foremost a mother to Dwyn. That's why I chose not to work. That's why I preferred a virtual job as opposed to a real law practice outside my home. Because I want to be with Dwyn. I want to take care of him. I want to see him grow up right in front of my own eyes. I want to be the one to teach him his first alphabet, numbers, etc. I just want to be a hands on mom. Internet is a breather but sometimes it's also a distraction from my mommy duties.

When I started with my virtual job, I deliberately chose to work during those hours when Dwyn is taking his nap and during his sleeping hours at night. My policy has been when he's awake, my time is and should be devoted to him. Dwyn doesn't like the time I give to the computer. He's irritated when I'm on the computer and would sometimes do all sorts of thing to catch my attention again. A reminder that I'm supposed to be taking care of him first.

Sometimes, it's just hard to resist the internet. But, I guess I just need to allot a few minutes of my time for my blogging activities. This shouldn't eat up all my time. I should always remember that this is just a hobby that I love. I shouldn't lose sight of my primary role as a mom. I've made a vow that when Dwyn wants me and I'm on the computer, except when I'm working (not the paid blogging thing), I should turn the computer off and give Dwyn my undivided attention.

On Paid Blogging:

I am a newbie in paid blogging and I just got accepted by PPP last week. I got inspired by how much the other mommies have been earning through paid blogging. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be earning as much as they do. There are not much opportunities for me. Although the dollars have started trickling in my account. You see, I check my blog first, post something here, then on with my blog hopping activity. By the time I check whether there are new opps for me, all the opps have already been taken and there's nothing else for me to grab. Or sometimes, I would just reserve an opportunity and continue with my blog hopping activity. By the time I decide to do the review, which can be days actually, all the other opps are no longer available. And also since I'm on a free hosted blog, my PR dropped to 2, opportunities are really scarce. I'm really enticed by the money I could possibly get with paid blogging. But then, I'm just thankful for whatever is in my Paypal account so far. It may be little, but then it's just supposed to be an extra money. So, I'm still thankful for the little extra income I have through paid blogging. Anyway, I've gained a lot of friends online through blogging and I value those friendships. No amount of paid blogging can buy that. So, even though paid blogging hasn't poured lots of money in my account, I'm still happy that I still have my blogger friends around.

Again, I should never lose sight of what really matters in life, online or real life.

What kids can do

Yesterday, we went to SM North to have my computer repaired. At around 3am of Monday morning, just when I was about to start with an overtime work requested by my boss, my computer crashed suddenly. Poof! It went black and didn't want to turn on anymore. There was not even a single light from the CPU. So, I brought my computer at SM North to have it repaired. Fortunately, the problem was only the power supply and the motherboard wasn't destroyed.

While waiting for my computer, we went shopping. I bought Dwyn a couple of pairs of shoes. I liked one pair and he sort of insisted on the other pair. He wouldn't just let go of the shoe. He walked around the store carrying that shoe. When I asked him to choose he would always get that particular shoe. And since I liked a different shoe for him, I ended up buying two pairs of shoes, when I originally intended to buy just one pair.

Earlier today, we went to Landmark to grab some breakfast stuffs. When we passed by the yogurt section, Dwyn grabbed several Nido yogurts and automatically put them in the cart. I was under the impression that he sort of wanted to buy all the yogurts there, if only I hadn't stopped him. He was grabbing one yogurt after another and another and another!

I put Dwyn inside the cart. You know what Dwyn did? While I was busy scanning the racks for cereals and milk, he tried to open one yogurt by biting the lid non-stop until he was able to make a hole. And he was successful! I was thinking how would he eat that if we didn't have a spoon. Ingenious as he is, he just drank it. The saleslady who was amusingly watching Dwyn commented that Dwyn was already hungry. I said we just had lunch!