Amazing MP3 Deal of the Day

I love listening to music. Whenever I travel to and from the office, I always play my favorite MP3s on my PSP. These songs are great distractions for me not to notice the long distance travel that I do everyday. My favorite genre: R&B. Daddy hardly appreciates my favorite type of music, so he settles on his own which is alternative.

Daddy and I are really opposite when it comes to music. However, in spite of such differences, we manage to listen to each other's favorite type when our moods are up to it. Same is also true whenever I hear some patriotic songs being played by my colleagues. Although I'm not very much into such type of music, I don't really mind listening to them from time to time.

And since the 4th of July is just around the corner, for sure patriotic songs will be aired everywhere. If you are one of those who just love to listen to these songs, why don't you take advantage of this amazing MP3 deal of the day ? That's right! You get to enjoy this A Salute to America album at an amazingly low price of $1.99. See, great savings!

The digital album A Salute to America is composed of 30 songs which is originally priced at $9.49. But since there's a reason to celebrate the 4th of July, it will be available for only $1.99 on July 3. Take note: it's a one-day deal, so don't miss it! Now, let me go back to listening to my R&B Mp3s.

A Mom's Struggle

The weekend is over once again, but my struggle as a mom is far from over. Why? Because I'm really having a hard time disciplining my two girls, especially the baby in between. Now, I'm starting to regret the fact that I'm a full-time working mom instead of a stay-at-home working one.

Ever since I gave birth to Baby Gaby last Nov of 2007, I never really got a chance to take care of her for a longer period. The longest so far was when I was on 1 1/2 month maternity leave, that was when she was still weeks to a month old. But after that, she spends more time with her nanny than me.

Now, why do I find parenting a struggle? It's simply because I can't get her to obey and behave whenever she sees her nanny around. Imagine, when she wants something, and she doesn't get it, she rolls over the floor and cries so loud. As much as possible, I don't want to spank her because she's still very small, but what can a poor Mommy do to change her misbehavior.

I really don't know what to do now to change the baby in between's attitude. Actually, I've already told Daddy about this problem, and all he said was, I should not stop trying to make sure she'll grow as a well-behaved girl. But how can I if I'm all alone to do the parenting stuff? And now I'm starting to ask, are the good jobs we have worth it?

Image Source: www.faithandfamilylive.com

I Got an Award

I was so happy when I read the comment left by Mommy Mye of Blog Appetite in one of my posts. Yes, she gave me an award! The Creative Mommy Blogger Award! "Thanks a lot Mommy Mye for this. I do appreciate it very much. :)"

Begin Copy

Here are the simple rules:

• Take your award and put the logo on your post.

• Link the person who awarded you. Remember each recipient of the award should acknowledge the person who honored them and go to Mom’s Special Diary to copy and paste the award.

• Put your own blog title and link.

• Nominate at least five deserving moms.

1. Mom’s Special Diary 2. The Mommy Journey. 3. Niko’s Blog 4. Pensive Thoughts 5. Random WAHM Thoughts. 6. Blog Appetite. 7. The Baby in Between

End Copy

Now, let me pass this award to the following Mommy bloggers who truly deserve to have an award like this: Ate Carlota whom I'll be forever thankful for giving me this layout, Mommy Rose, Mommy Beth, Mommy Vannie, and Mommy Twinx.

Pink Nap Mat for Baby Gaby

If I get a new book for Ate Yana, I should get something for the baby in between too. Why? Because I'm pretty sure she won't like seeing her Ate having something new, while she doesn't have any. So, I'm thinking about getting this pink nap mat for her. Since the weather is so hot lately, she'll find this very comfortable to sleep on unlike on the mattress we're using now. And the pink color, I'm sure she'll love it.

Actually before, I was thinking about giving her one of those toddler backpacks or kids backpacks. But I changed my mind after seeing how lovely this pink nap mat is. And so, it's final.

Now, if your toddler happens to be celebrating his/her birthday soon and you're still looking for a nice gift, why not get one of these nap mats? More colors are available aside from pink. You can choose from blue, brown, purple, maroon, and green. For sure, your toddler will also love it. As for Baby Gaby, I'll stick with pink.

How The Baby in Between Sleeps...Then and Now

I was busy updating my Phoebz Place blog a while ago, when the nanny told me that Baby Gaby had already fallen asleep. I was surprised to see that she's already sleeping because all the time I thought she was simply watching cartoon. Here's how she sleeps now:

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw her in that sleeping position. See, she didn't even bother about the pillows she lied on, which make her position really uncomfortable to look at. I just moved her after taking this pic so she'll have a longer sleeping time. We're off to the grocery store this afternoon, so she has to sleep now or else, she'll be sleeping while we're buying stuff.

The baby in between is really growing so fast. I can still imagine her infant days when she used to sleep soundly and didn't move that much while sleeping. Oh, how I miss how she sleeps then...

(Baby Gaby when she's 3weeks old)

Chin and the Magic Stones: A New Book for Ate Yana

My 5-year old girl is already fond of reading as early as now. At night, whenever I come home from work, she would ask me, "Mommy, did you buy a new book for me?" My reply is always a no, because with my busy schedule, I hardly find time to drop by at the mall, much more at a bookstore.

I know, I should not make my busy schedule as an excuse not to buy Ate Yana a new book. Especially with that eagerness to read, I should be the one to encourage her more in order to enhance her reading skills. I was thinking, what if I just make an order online for this must-read book for kids entitled Chin and the Magic Stones? I've recently checked www.chinmagic.com and read quite a number of positive reviews about it. I got curious in an instant and so I'm thinking of getting one for my little girl.

Although the book was intended mainly for kids aged 7 to 11 years old, I know Ate Yana will be able to appreciate it and learn a good deal from it since she's really fond of reading adventure books. Based from the summary I read, the story does not only impart the funtale adventure of a 10-year old kid but also carries a positive message about the importance of having self-confidence and keeping a positive atittude at all times.

As of now, I haven't told my little girl about my plan of getting this book because I don't want to disappoint her in case I won't be able to get one. I'm sure, other moms out there are also thinking of getting one for their kids. Who wouldn't? It's summer time and there's no better way of letting the kids spend it than by summer reading.

The Baby in Between Plays the Nintendo Wii and the PSP

It's almost the end of the day again, and since Daddy did not allow us to attend the USAP Family Day at the Ultra, I thought of ways to keep the baby in between busy so she won't bother me doing freelance stuff. And here's what she did:

( Can you guess what this is? )

( There goes the baby in between playing Nintendo Wii tennis...And.. )

( Shoo Mom! Don't bother me! I'm busy playing the PSP! )

Yes, the techie in Dad has now been passed on to the baby in between. If Dad was the one playing these gadgets when he was here, now it's her little girl's turn. Actually, she's not yet good at playing those gadgets, but in time I'm sure she'll be so good at them that she won't let her Dad win against her. Go Gab! Weeee... :D

I wonder how Daddy will react if he sees these photos. Geez, I hope he won't react negatively because he's always opposed to the idea of letting the little one play those gadgets at this age. Not because she's too young to be techie, but too young to handle them with care. In that aspect, "I agree with you, Dad!"

A Dream Wedding in Maui

Yesterday, while on my way home, I couldn't help but look at the promise ring I'm wearing at my right hand's ring finger. Daddy and I both wear one, with our names engraved in it. It symbolizes our love for each other, with a promise that even without marriage we'll stick with each other through thick and thin.

But in spite of this promise, I sometimes find myself wishing that we're a married couple already. I know, for now, that would be impossible. But for sure, in time, it will happen and when that time comes, I'll make sure it will be a grand celebration, like a dream wedding in Maui.

Daddy and I love traveling, and so we thought that having our wedding in a Maui Resort would be a dream come true. Hawaii is famous for its destination weddings, just like the ones held in Ka'anapali Resort in Maui. With its lovely oceanfront garden, who would not want to experience exchanging vows in this lovely place? Plus, with their great romance package which includes ocean front accommodations, daily breakfast, assistance with wedding license, wedding coordination, and others, everything is made so convenient for the would-be couple. It's just like having a vacation and a grand event in one.

Oh, how I wish Daddy and I can get married really soon. And what a great bonus it would be if we can really do it in Maui Resort. Wishing!

No Family Day for Mommy and Baby Gaby

Our office organized a Family Day today to be held at Ultra PSC in Pasig. It will be held together with the closing of our sportsfest. It'll be lots of fun, for sure. The organizing committee prepared games, booths, prizes, foods, inflatables for kids, etc.

I would love to bring the two kids along, especially Baby Gaby, because ever since we transferred here in our new home, they never get a chance to be in malls or anywhere else except the grocery store. They will love the inflatables and foods, I'm sure. However, when I told Daddy about it, outright he said a big NO. The reason: he doesn't want the kids to travel from here to Pasig and to be in crowded places. Social distancing, in short, since the A(H1N1) virus is still widely spreading.

So there. No family day for me and Baby Gaby. I'll just have to think of ways now to make her Sunday as enjoyable as possible.

One Word Tag

I was tagged by a fellow mommy blogger, Mommy Tetcha of Pensive Thoughts. Thanks a lot for this Mommy!

So, how will the tag go? USING ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers. Be sure to tag the person who sent it to you!

1. Where is your cell phone? Bag
2. Your hair? Black
3. Your mother? Gone
4. Your father? Away
5. Your favorite food? Chicken
6. Your dream last night? Sad
7. Your favorite drink? Chocolate
8. Your dream/goal? Travel
9. What room you are in? Office
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Spiders
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Canada
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Insensitive
15. Muffins? Corn
16. Wish list item? Car
17. Where you grew up? Bicol
18. Last thing you did? Read
19. What are you wearing? Shirt
20. Your TV? Sony
21. Your pets? None
22. Friends? Many
23. Your life? Good
24. Your mood? Relaxed
25. Missing someone? Daddy
26. Car? Soon
27. Something you’re not wearing? Make-up
28. Your favorite store? Ukay-Ukay :D
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Saturday
32. Who will resend this? Me
33. One place that I go to over and over? Grocery
34. One person who emails me regularly? Precy
35. My favorite place to eat? Kenny's

Whew, it wasn't easy really! Like on the dream/goal thing, I wanted to write work abroad, but then since it's one word tag, I just said Travel and on the fave place to eat, instead of Kenny Roger's, I simply put Kenny's *wink* :D

Now, I'm tagging the following people: Jhelea, Nays, Lyn, Glady, Lisa, Rose, and Wats.

To Bank or Not to Bank?

I am now 23 weeks pregnant, but still unsure as to how I'll go about so many things like the hospital where I’ll give birth, what color to choose for my baby’s stuffs – baby blue, baby pink, or light yellow, and what name to give. The former will be easier to decide on, but the next two will be a bit harder because I need to go through an ultrasound first to determine baby’s gender. But aside from these three, there’s another thing that I’m really looking deeper recently – and that is storing my baby’s cord blood. I keep asking myself, “To bank or not to bank?”

It is still 17 weeks away before I give birth, but as early as now, I’m really thinking hard whether it’s a good idea to bank my baby’s cord blood or not. Based on my research, storing the baby’s umbilical cord is an investment in the future health of my family since stem cells can already be used in different kinds of treatments. I know, one day, my family can benefit from this stem cell storage, but I’m still seriously considering the expenses I’ll have to make for the process shortly after I give birth.

As I’ve mentioned in one of my posts here, I’m currently facing slight money problems lately. So, as much as possible, before I go into storing my baby’s cord blood, I must see to it that the expenses for it won’t go beyond my budget. Although Cryo-Cell is giving away a special discount of up to $725 for expectant families beginning today until June 28, 2009 by simply using the HOT promotional code, I still have to consult Daddy about this since he’s our family’s financial officer. LOL.

Anyway, if you happen to come across this blog and is an expectant mom like me who is considering banking baby’s cord blood, why don’t you check out this Cryo-Cell’s discount? You get to save a lot from this limited offer, so grab it now!

Mommy Moments - School Days

Whew, I thought I lost these pics of Ate Yana's school days! My Mac was reformatted 2 weeks ago, and so all the pics I saved here were lost. Good thing, I did not delete these pics in my USB, or else...

Okay, so since the baby in between does not go to school yet, I hope these pics of Ate Yana's school days will suffice. So here's my entry for today's Mommy Moments.



These pics were taken during Yana's graduation in kinder last April 1st. Guess what, she received the 1st honor in her class. Here's one proud momma talking. Lol. :D

Check out more of Mommy Moments. See you again next Friday!

Endurance Athlete Survey

Whenever I see people joining marathon, I can't help but envy their endurance. I ask myself, "How can they endure that long distance running without losing their breath?" Because for me, a few kilometers of running, let's say around 1.5 km, consumes all my energy. I end up so tired after.

How about you? Are you up to be an endurance athlete? Why don't you participate in this survey?

I Wonder Why

...this family blog was distorted when I opened it this morning. There was no header, no images in the layout, and hey no layout in general - only content and widgets. I thought it was because of our Barracuda filter here in our office network. But after opening my friends' blogs, I realized that there was really something wrong with my blog and not the network. Then I remembered one message from Ate Carlota, author of Dashing Smiles and the one who gave me this layout, that her photobucket will expire this June. I thought maybe that was the problem, and so I emailed her immediately and left her a message at her tagboard.

While waiting for Ate Carlota's reply, I kept wondering why my blog became distorted so suddenly. Last night, it was still ok. I didn't know anything about the layout or fixing it, so I was really worried that there would be no choice left for me but to switch back to my old blogger layout. Good thing, after an hour or so, Ate Carlota replied and helped me fixed the problem. The culprit: The PayingPost Code. Again, I wonder why that code suddenly has a virus on it - the bloodhound.ex. Do you have any idea?

But anyway, I'm really glad that Ate Carlota fixed the problem for me in a jiffy. Thanks Ate! So, what's next in my to-do list? To find a photo for this week's Mommy Moments. Hmmm...The baby in between is not yet in school, but her Ate Yana is. So, ok let me find one of Ate Yana's school days photos.

Two Birthdays, Same Treat

The month of June has been a festive month for us. It's the birthday month of our two good friends, Gladz and Rais. Although they both celebrated their birthdays on a Monday, which is a rest day for us, they didn't forget to give us a treat: Glady's birthday treat was last June 17, Wednesday, while Rais' was just a while ago. We had a hearty lunch at Red Ribbon Shaw.

"Yeah, two birthdays, same treat at Red Ribbon. Thanks Glad and Rais! 'Til next year! LOL :D"

Belated Happy Birthday!!!

Gladz and Rais (The Birthday Girls!)

Just When I Needed You Most

Just like the lyrics of a song, now I can't help but say the exact line, "Just when I needed you the most". But I'm not ranting here about Daddy or anyone, it's about Yahoo Mail. LOL. See this screenshot:

Yes, it's really wrong timing that Yahoo's system is down when I needed it the most. I stored some of the information I researched from the net in my Yahoo Mail notepad last night. And now that I'm about to copy paste them in a Microsoft Word file, I can't access the system. "Really bad Yahoo. I'm in a rush to finish my freelance articles, but how can I now that I can't access you."

Oh, what else can I do? I can't wait for you forever. So, I might as well re-research again. LOL. Good luck to me and my deadline!

No Daycare School for Ate Yana

Ate Yana, the baby in between's bigger sister, is not going to school today. Not because she doesn't want to, but because daycare school classes were suspended since yesterday. The reason: 20 pupils were experiencing fever in one section alone. Nothing is confirmed yet whether it's A(H1N1) that's causing those kids to have fever, but as a precautionary measure, classes were suspended to prevent the other kids from getting fever as well, including our Ate Yana.

The increasing number of A(H1N1) cases here in our country are really so alarming. And we don't exactly know who have the virus, so we're all helpless on that part. Who knows, the person we're talking to now is already a A(H1N1) flu virus carrier without him/her knowing as well. So, there's not much that we can do, but to keep our immunity strong by taking vitamins and to observe proper hygiene, like what we all do at home.

I just hope the kids at Ate Yana's daycare school are just experiencing ordinary fever, and not the one brought by A(H1N1). School will resume tomorrow, and the little girl just can't wait because she loves going to school. Baby Gaby loves it as well because she gets to joy ride when sending and fetching her Ate to and from school.

The Baby in Between Offline for 24 Hours

Page Load Error...That was the last words I've seen on my laptop screen yesterday at around 3pm. I thought it was just a short Internet disconnection, but whew, it lasted for over 24 hours. I kept thinking what happened to Globe broadband, since all my neighbors who also subscribed through that ISP, including the Internet cafe nearby, were also Internet-less. But until now, we're all clueless.

Anyway, I'm so glad that The Baby in Between is back online now. We may have missed greeting Daddy a Happy Fathers' Day yesterday through Skype's video chat, but I managed to leave a post here greeting Daddy. I just hope he remembered checking this family blog before going to bed last night.

Happy Father's Day, DADDY!!!

Since today is Father's Day, this day is for you, Daddy. You may be so far away from me and the baby in between, but you're always close to our hearts. Here's our simple Father's Day greetings to you. Hope you like it! We love you so much!!!

Play Multiplayer Games to Celebrate Fathers' Day

Do you think this will work? Daddy and I used to play multiplayer games like billiards together; but, of course, with me losing every time. So, I'm thinking, will Daddy love the idea of us playing online billiards in a while to celebrate Fathers' Day? He's still there in South Korea so the only chance we've got to spend this special day is via the Internet.

I already have a multiplayer game site in mind. It's very user-friendly and really easy to navigate. Actually, Daddy and I can compete with other players if we want to. And you know what's good about this site, it's FREE to join, so nothing to worry about spending on this special day.

So, what do you think? Will Daddy like it?

Staying Up Late on a Saturday Night

The baby in between is already fast asleep beside me. But the hardworking mom is still here in front of the laptop making this post. No need for me to worry though, because staying up late on a Saturday night is A-OK for it's a weekend for me.

So, what's keeping me up this late? Actually, I'm thinking about what kind of Father's Day post I'll make for Daddy tomorrow. Last year, I surprised him with this A Father's Day Tribute post. He loved it very much, especially that slideshow I made of his childhood and adolescence years photos. Hmmm..For this year, what could possibly surprise him? I'm running out of ideas already. Suggestions, anyone? Something unique, something new!

Tweet to Win from BluFrog

It's a weekend for me again, and that means two days rest for one hardworking mom here. But before I go to bed tonight, I'll say goodnight first to my Twitter friends. That's right! Tweeting has been a part of my daily routine; well it keeps me updated with what my friends are doing and I get to update them with mine as well. And yeah, I'm loving Twitter more.

But just a while ago, I found out that tweeting can do me more than just answering the question, "What am I doing?" It can actually win me a prize in this Tweet to Win contest from BluFrog. And guess what the prizes are? A BluGamer ultimate gaming package, a trip to witness the blu year's countdown in New York, a chance to see the music festival in Chicago, a chance to race at Richard Petty Driving Experience in Orlando, and a free trip and tickets to the Winter X Game in Aspen. Really cool prizes, right?

If you were to ask me what I would want to win, well I'd settle on that ultimate gaming package. Tomorrow is Father's Day, and I didn't prepare any special gift for Daddy. So in case I win this, it'll be my precious Father's Day gift to my hubby because he loves gadgets so much. I'm sure he'd love to add this Xbox 360 to his collection. But then, it would be a belated gift since the contest will end on July 17th. Anyway, as they say always, it's better late than never.

So, do you also want to win one of these cool prizes from BluFrog? Hurry and join now!

Mommy Moments - That's My Dad!

Hello everyone! It's Mommy Moments time once again! And our theme for today is about Daddy, since Father's Day is just two days away.

For the baby in between and me, we are very lucky to have the best Dad in the world. Although he's miles away from us, we never feel that he's far because we get to see and talk to him everyday through voice chat.

Anyway, here let me give the floor to the baby in between because she's the one who has a lot to say about her Dad.

Ten Things That My Dad Loves and Hates

1. Daddy loves to fix, upgrade, and do anything to his laptop computer, but he hates to use Mommy's laptop as he's not used to using Mac. (LOYAL DAD!)

2. Daddy loves watching movies, but he hates Mommy when she says no more watching past 10 pm. (MOVIE ADDICT DAD!)

3. Daddy loves collecting gadgets, but he hates how Mommy tells him not to because they're too expensive. (TECHIE DAD!)

4. Daddy loves smoking especially after eating, but he hates when Mommy asks him to go out of the house to do that. (BAD DAD!)

5. Daddy loves eating Jumbo Siopao from Jade palace and 2-pc chicken from Jollibee, but hates sharing them with Mommy because those are his favorites. (SELFISH DAD!)

6. Daddy loves customizing his motorcycle, but he hates it when he sees it not well-taken cared of whenever he comes home.

7. Daddy loves to shop and travel, but he hates it when a snatcher steals his belongings like our beloved Casio Exilim digicam.


8. Daddy loves dressing up, but he hates it when Mommy asks him why he's doing so. (JAPORMS DAD!)


9. Daddy loves playing with me, but he hates when I suddenly jumps over his big tummy. (PLAYFUL DAD!)


10. And lastly, Daddy loves me, but hates Mommy? No, actually, he loves Mommy even more. And we love him very much too in return (LOVING DAD!)

So there, THAT'S MY DAD! Mommy says, see you again on the next Mommy Moments!

Signed: The Baby in Between