Shoooooot!

When I was in high school, I remember, I always brag about the idea that I and my family have tons of pictures (and yes, some sepia, some black and white) My Dad started liking photography when he was studying at UST, with the scenic view and friends who shares the same hobby. Wanna see some of his baul collections? Here are some. One of these were used in our photography class, almost all of my classmate used it and I'm proud of it. After which I heard about Digital SLRs and got my first DSLR named Philon, two years ago. :) Dad and I loves Nikon, but I wanna try Canon too, wish!

And now with the birth of digitalization of almost everything - Oh, technology! Here comes photo studios.. You can't blame me if I let Travis have his photo shoot at The Picture Company, SM Annex Branch.. With membership, Travis, I and who-wants-to-join-in-the-fun-photoshoot can have unlimited photo session, unlimited is unlimited. Membership is at P2,500, good for one year, unlimited photo session (you should tag us along! haha) and more details here.

I'm happy that the Husband is happy whenever he sees pictures of his mini-me everytime he checks his FB account.. That's why aside from his everyday pictures using Bubuy (Canon D10) he got his monthly photo shoot (that's the most I can do so he can see Travis).. And two more..

And everything was easy, fun and fast.. Until next photo shoot!

My Best Friend is Getting Married

And I'm excited. 60 days more from today until her wedding day.

One perfect couple. I witnessed how their relationship was and I say its an inspiration to me. They may have up and downs in the 12 years of relationship (and more), but I salute them for the faith, hope and love for each other. It is a fairytale story with a (very) happy ending.

Now, I can stop telling her about marriage life but not on having a baby. I know you will have your own - soon. I bet Travis would love to have a playmate. Haha.

To my bes Sofie, this is it! I'm grateful to be in your wedding and being a part of it is a blessing. Thank you for entrusting me to be your Matron of Honor. And remember that even in your married life, you can run to me and I'll be the same "Mylene" you've known for eight years. I love you bes. Hugs.

I won't take this too long, cause I may run out of words for my speech on your wedding day. Haha.

Sinehan, Libro at DVD

Mga movie tickets na naipon ko mula 2008, lahat ng palabas na pinanood namin ni Jason.. Isa sa mga gustong-gusto naming gawin sa mall aside sa kumain ay ang manood ng sine. Kung late kami sa oras, kaya naming mag-antay ng ilang oras para sa susunod na screening, ganun kami ka-tyaga. Past time namin 'to. Dahil malapit lang kami sa mall, kahit anong oras na gustuhin namin, nakakapanood kami ng sine. Minsan lang talaga hindi kami magkasundo sa papanoorin. Ayaw nya ng Ingles at ayaw ko naman ng Tagalog, kaya bigayan talaga kami.. Kapag nakanood ng Ingles na palabas kinabukasan Tagalog naman.

Nakakatuwa at nakakalungkot.

Ngayon na malayo ang asawa/moviedate ko, malamang hindi na 'to madadagdagan. Siyam na buwan din akong mag-aantay para makapanood ng sine. Kaya nag-isip ako ng solusyon para dito. Sa mga susunod na palabas, ililista ko lahat ng sa tingin ko e magandang palabas, Tagalog man o Ingles, tapos bibili ako ng DVD (pasensya sa pirated kasi ang bilis ng kopya e..) iipunin ko, tapos maglalaan ako ng budget para sa mas bagong telebisyon at speakers para pagdating nya, wala kaming gagawin kundi manood ng DVD sa bahay kasama si Baby Travis.

Ayus ba naisip ko? Sana naman..

Kanina naman, naisipan kong bumili ng libro.. Dahil hindi ko nga 'to mapapanood sa sine.. Babasahin ko na lang..

Hindi man madagdagan ang iniipon kong movie tickets, libro at DVD naman ang simulang dumami..

To Jason - My Love, My Life

I miss him, I miss everything about him.. I miss my life with him. I miss him, he's my life. I never thought that I could be as sad as I am right now. It's like half of me was with him when he left for work abroad.

A little bit of sharing about him..

He stays up late checking online sites while my bedtime's early. He sleeps with lotion all over his body and baby oil for his feet and I hate it. He sleeps like he's the only one in our queen size bed. He seldom smile but I love how he laughs hard and with tears.

When I was pregnant and wants to eat and do everything while he don't - he's beside me, smiling. Good thing the past nine months wasn't as bad as I think it is. I almost eat everything but he checks my diet. He's the one who makes my milk every morning and before bedtime. I love how he massage my back with the enough pressure, then I am relieved. His fave color is black while I love white. He's such a kiddo, like I am.

He may look like the WWF wrestler Batista, but he has the softest heart. I miss our bed time talks about life, food, people and family. Every day we learn about each other and I'm happy knowing we have a lifetime to go. He's not the typical guy, rather he's one extraordinary sweet thang!

As I wait for nine months and fourteen days until we share food trips and bedtime talks. I know it would be worth the wait. For now, I share my everyday and bedtime with Baby Travis - our mini-Jason and he drives my sadness away.

With prayers, faith, hope and love. I know Jason will be safe wherever he may be.

Travis at One Month

Our baby Travis Fino-Mon turns one month yesterday (Sept. 12, 2010).

Thank you all who sent their greetings through SMS, Call, FB Comments and Twitter..

I am so blessed having family and friends who gave me the strength..

and I thank God for giving me this wonderful life.

Today is a Monday, start the week with a BIG SMILE..

Travis and his first 30 days

Yes, its was 30 days ago since I gave birth to Baby Travis. It's like the most amazing gift I've ever received. At his first three days he can't sleep that long, he wants to hear his Dad's voice or mine chanting to him.. And the first week pass, he's the cutest and an angel, he seldom cries, they say you'll experience sleepless nights for the first five (5) months then, but I totally disagree.When he sleeps, we sleep too. I'm not a pro when it comes to motherhood, breastfeeding, and baby how-tos but with what I've learned in 30 days were enjoyable, happy and exciting. I still have many tomorrows to look forward to. And I'm blessed to have a hands-on Husband. He's the one who first bathe the baby.. He burps the baby.. And he change diaper and wakes up in the wee hours to feed him and get him back to sleep..

Now that the Husband isn't around, Baby Travis makes every minute easier for me.. He doesn't cry "that" loud. He wants to be played with. He loves hearing his Dad's voice over the phone, while he makes sounds so his Dad would hear him on the other line.

And the most, he's getting used to be photographed. Baby Travis and my camera/s (Tex, Philon and Bubuy) have a mutual understanding.. I love my babies.

Tomorrow is a Sunday, its Family Day and its Baby Travis 1st month - so that calls for a celebration. Yey! Come, join us!

A Sister-in-law And A Best Friend

I want to dedicate this blog entry to my sister-in-law whose celebrating her birthday today, September 6, 2010.

I may not have a biological sister, but I have the best sister-in-laws in the whole wide world. One of them is Ate She.. :) A very thoughtful, humble, understanding woman. I fell in love with her, with the way she treats me and my family. I get to know her more and more whenever my brother would tag me along on their road trips.. I say she's a different woman, she knows how to treat you well. She knows how to get along with people she meets. I love her just the way she is. And I won't trade her for anything.

I don't get to talk to her everyday but will simple exchange of text messages we stay updated with life and our babies too. She's my adviser when it comes to boy/s (before) and now that I'm also a mom like her, she gives me useful advices.

And I want to take this opportunity to thank her for being a sister and a best friend to me. You're the BEST ATE!

Thank you Ate She and I love you. Hugs.

Here's a poem that suit how I feel for her.

Why I Love My Sister

By: Shiv Sharma

A sister is someone who loves you from the heart,

No matter how much you argue you cannot be drawn apart.

She is a joy that cannot be taken away,

Once she enters your life, she is there to stay.

A friend who helps you through difficult times,

Her comforting words are worth much more than dimes.

A partner who fills your life with laughs and smile,

These memories last for miles and miles.

When she is by your side, the world is filled with life,

When she is not around, your days are full of strife.

A sister is a blessing, who fills your heart with love,

She flies with you in life with the beauty of a dove.

A companion to whom you can express your feelings,

She doesn’t let you get bored at family dealings.

Whether you are having your ups or downs,

She always helps you with a smile and never frowns.

With a sister you cannot have a grudge,

She is as sweet as chocolate and as smooth as fudge.

Having a sister is not just a trend,

It is knowing you can always turn to her, your best friend.

The Husband's Turn

To get pampered.

And yes, men too.

Weekends are best spent with loved ones, we had a free Saturday afternoon, so we get to visit our fave spa - The Spa at Trinoma. I had Oriental Foot Therapy, which includes a foot soak and a massage that (I quote them) relieves stress and stimulates blood circulation, that's one priceless 60 minutes. While the Husband had himself a Foot Scrub, a Pedicure and a Shiatsu Massage.

It was one of the best time we had together.. It was the day before he leaves Philippines and go on-board on a cruise ship. Time was well spent.. Then, I have to wait for 10 months from September 5, 2010 until he comes back home.

And that's the sad part.

Baby, when I see you smile at me..

Me and the Husband was at the mall earlier this day to do our usual walk and catch a new movie, I was humming this one song.. Then caught myself singing it over and over again.. And on our way home, the Husband's singing it too..

What makes me sing that song? One reason :) - HIM

When I see you smile

BY: Bad English

Sometimes I wonder

How I'd ever make it through

Through this world without having you

I just wouldn't have a clue

Cause sometimes it seems

This world's closing in on me,

And there's no way of breaking free

And I see you reach out for me

Sometimes I wanna give up

I wanna give in,

I wanna quit the fight

And then I see you, baby

And everything's alright,

Everything's alright

When I see you smile

I can face the world, oh oh

You know I can do anything

When I see you smile

I see a ray of light, oh oh,

I see it shining right through the rain

When I see you smile

Baby when I see you smile at me

Baby there's nothing in this world

I could never do

What a touch of your hand can do

It's like nothing that I ever knew

And when the rain is falling

I don't feel it,

'Cause you're here with me now

And one look at you baby

Is all I'll ever need,

You're all I'll ever need

Mann Hann Restaurant

Two weeks ago, we had a BIG BIG lunch at Mann Hann, just before the day I was admitted in the hospital (Labor then starts)..

Had Beef with Broccoli (the Husband's favorite)

Then I get to try their Lechon Macau with its special sauce. Liked it.

So if you're hungry and ready for one BIG MUNCH! Visit Mann Hann.

Just I wonder, did my baby tasted these two before he comes out by Aug 12, 2010? If yes, he would agree with Mommy saying the food was GREAT!

Visit http://mannhann.webs.com/ for more GREAT foods :)

Who does it better?

Since Baby Travis arrived, I see to it that my camera is just beside me, of course its this time I can capture his "firsts"From his first smile, first frown, first unusual face expression.. We love every second of it.. :)

He loves to sleep on my chest and that makes it easier for me to take pictures of him while he's asleep or even if he's awake..

We we're camera-whoring one morning and see what I got? (Taken Aug 17, 2010 - he was 5 days old then)

He's just like us - COOL-et! Haha :)

Baby Stuff Makes Me Smile..

I'm already on my 30th week, and my tummy getting heavier as my due dates comes.. Honestly I am excited and nervous about me giving birth, imagine last year it was just about me, myself and Jason and my family that I always think about, where to go on a vacation, where to eat, whats the latest fad, surfing the net entirely the whole day, sipping a Venti Chocolate Cream Chip at Starbucks, eating ice cream whenever I want, drinking ice-cold Sarsi Soda until I burp out loud.. I miss those, but to think that now I am taking care of a new life in my womb, its a different story - though it means sacrifice, I know its worth it. I temporarily said goodbye to "unhealthy" stuffs just for now, I know 9 months can be that fast, so a little sacrifice won't hurt, but it would help me and my baby..

My due date would be August 7, 2010. More or less 10 weeks from now, and yes its the rainy season in the Philippines. As they say, my baby would use diaper/s more often so I should stock up on those, then I thought of my baby shower, which until now I can't decide when will it be.. But these things excites me - being the star of an event, it isnt my birthday or even my wedding but its me whose the "Mom-to-be" I love thinking the thought of it.

Moving on, as I and Jason prepares for our baby's arrival, I must confess I was the one who wants to buy everything on my baby's list in just one day, from crib to stroller to baby carrier, clothes, mittens and booties.. Good thing my husband knows how to plan everything, the expenses, the convenience, etc. So we take it step by step..

In my work, I get my paycheck every 7 days, so that's money every week.. LOL.. It may be hard to budget that because the idea is that you can have money after 7 days again.. But not to me, I live by the equation: Pay (minus) - savings (on two bank accounts) = extra money. And I'm successful in that way, I get to buy stuffs that I need, and I want as well as my husbands too.. If we have extra from the extra money, we get to treat our nieces and nephews or buy small gifts for each other.. Truly everyone is blessed, you just have to know how to take care of it.

Now that 10 weeks isn't near neither far, we're halfway done with our baby-must-haves shopping.. And last night I started putting baby stuffs on the closet.. And whenever I look at them, I smile, husbands excited too. Here are some of the baby's stuff thats so cuuuuuute..

And yes, THANK HEAVEN FOR LITTLE BOYS :)

Animal printed sweat towels..

And I'm in love with whites, whites and whites :) Am thinking of buying more whites..

And his carrier and wheels :)

Daddy's choice: Dexbaby Secure Sleeper

Kuya Shyan's gift: Fisher Price Soothe 'n Play Bouncer

Baby got these too.. Cool shirts and the shoooooe!

I hanged them up with our clothes, look, right there in the middle..

Don't worry baby, Daddee promised he'll make a space just for your clothes.. This is just tempo.. Hahaha :)

For now, I just cant wait for the baby's crib.. :)

Twenty-five

When I was in high school, I always wished I was older than I am, I'm thinking of myself as a business woman with a career, got married at the age of 30 or 32 (maybe). I don't think much of having a family by the age of 25, every thing has changed and it was GOOD.

Now, being pregnant is a BIG surprise for me.. Here's a picture of me, while waiting for the Husband at home.

BIG belly ah?

And what's even more surprising? My ultrasound.

I'm on my 25th week of pregnancy. Me and the Husband is sooo much excited to know our baby's gender..

And here are some captures.. And it's a healthy baby BOY! :)

I can see my Husband's BIG SMILE while we're inside the ultrasound room..

And yes, we're both teary-eyed..

Thank God for the blessings he bestowed me and my family.

And I'm looking forward for my next ultrasound in 3D :)

I wanna see his angelic face..

Process of Learning

As I welcome my 6th month of pregnancy, I never knew that I had so much support from my Mother, my four brothers, my four sister-in-laws and my husband, Jason..

I thought, I can do it alone.. Without any help but I'm totally wrong. I remember my 2 older brothers got married at the age of 18/19.. I was 4 years old then and was called Tita (Aunt).. I knew how to take care of babies, as if seen with how my sis-in-law do it. And now after 22 years, I'm the one whose gonna give birth and be called Mommy.. I wanna embrace that feeling, cause its the best gift God has given me and Jason. I won't count how long we've been together, cause I know its forever.. That's why I never stop on saying my thanks to God.

Now, I'm feeling heavy. I walk, I do some household chores though we already have two helpers at home. I do the grocery, I pay bills.. Its like I'm training myself for the future.. I eat for two, I sleep for two (an advantage, haha) I do things more than what I expect I can. I am truly blessed. And now that my belly's showing off, I am happy whenever I see people look at my belly and flash me a smile.. It makes me feel adorable, really.. Though I don't fix myself like I did before when me and Jason were dating, still he complement the way I look now with my belly :)

Last night, Jason set a movie date. I came from the office, while he came from his training in Manila. Of course, I was there earlier than he is, so I dropped by the bookstore and saw this and bought it.

And viola, I was running through the pages. It was like a kid with a new coloring book, I even bought a highlighter with it. Cause I know, it will tell me everything I need to know other than listening to old folks sayings.. *pamahiin* But hey, I respect that. Its just that, every pregnancy, every woman, every baby is and may be different from each other.. You may feel something that other pregnant woman don't. That's why it pays to read. And was thankful that I bought this..

When I was on my 2-3 months, and was excited to start buying baby stuffs, so I won't cram. One person comes into my mind, my Sister-in-law, Ate Sheryl.. She was the first one in the family who knew I was pregnant and was very much happy about it. She gives me advices about being pregnant, on giving birth, delivery and the baby itself. She is Shyan Carl's mom, my Kuya Ryan's wife, who was also my best friend who never misses to update me with good buys on baby stuffs. That's why I'm taking this opportunity to thank her for being the sister I don't have.

Thanks so much Ate She! You're the best sis-in-law! Love you!

What I've learn? Love the people around you. Learn to respect them. Don't be jealous. Don't pretend to be someone you're not just to get attention.

And the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12

All That Bag

When I was in high school, I change my bag every week.. Mom would always buy me new bag.. And I'm happy, I always look forward for the week ahead..

Before, the only time I get to hold and use Coach bags is when my sister-in-law from New York comes home to Pinas.. She brings home purses and bags for her two daughter, too bad they can't use it at school cause they're way too small to stuff their books in it, so here comes the Aunt (that's me) to the rescue.. LOL

It was my 24th birthday, when Jason bought a Lacoste bag for me.. I was thrilled and happy.. I won't ask for the price, but hey I don't really want to spend that much money on bags, I'd rather spend it on food. And until now, that bag still looks good. And that made me realize that an expensive bag may last for years-years..

When I got pregnant, I wished for a bigger bag than the usual that I use. Cause I want a big bag that has everything on it.. Papers, vitamins, baby book, etc. So I was looking for one.. I ended up buying a Black *kinda-big* Aldo Bag.. I could say its a good buy..

Now that I'm 25, I've learned so many things, like powders, make-ups, shower gels, etc. etc and *those* expensive bags (as they say..) And thanks to my very best friend Sofie who a self-confessed designer bag collector, who introduced me to the LV idea.. Yes, she did! :) Last year, we had a talk about having an LV, I didnt say yes, but I welcomed the idea.

One day, I saw my other sis-in-law posted a picture in her FB account of a Coach bags that's for sale.. I bought these two lovelies..

This is Polk, I got it. Hahaha :)

Then, my little surprise for my lovely Mom

I still have the purse in Polk's design, I'm still thinking if I want to sell it or use it...

Months past, I have Lucca :) My very own LV Speedy 35 :) My special thanks to Ate Sheryl and Kuya Ranni :)

When the Husband arrived home, he asked me where my new *expensive* bag is? I smiled. He asked if I liked it, I smiled again. And he hugged and kiss my belly.

He said.. " Enjoy Lucca, and maybe if our baby's a girl, she and even her daughter's daugther still can use it.. "

Laughed. Priceless.

WHITIES

Being the only girl with four brothers, I really don't know where to start.. But thanks to Ate Sheryl whose been a text away, every question that I have for my little angel, she's off to rescue me.. Thanks Ate She! :) You're the best!

Also with the wide information given by the internet you tend to know what's happening inside that belly :) I am excited and nervous at the same time, after every visit to my OB-GYNE, I feel relieved whenever she says the baby's good, and I am good too ;) So far, from my 1st trimester's ultrasound, Me and the Husband can't take off our smile from our faces, we're so thankful having our little angel..

And now, feeling his/her heartbeat was overwhelming.. I can't help but cry whenever the Husband talks to our baby in my belly, he's so sweet. And he speaks in english, which makes me laugh. I told him, when our baby goes out he/she either speaks bisaya or ilokano. Laughs :)

When my 4th month comes in, less nausea, less morning sickness which actually I seldom encounter.. I don't crave for anything unusual, but since I got pregnant, I started loving fruits, not that I should eat them, but whenever I'm at the grocery, I go for greens and fruits, I don't get much sweets, maybe baby knows its not good for us, thanks baby :)

And now to lessen my boredom and being so laaaaaazy, Me and the Husband started buying whities.. We don't know the gender yet so, we'll start from here.. :)

Every morning, I look at these stack of whities and smile and pray.. How life is so good to us, and how Jesus blessed us.. :)

Most of our relatives said, that our baby might be a girl, cause I look like I'm not pregnant *daw* ahihihih.. Pero whenever I see myself sa mirror, I'm getting bigger and bigger na.. Good thing, I havent gain that much weight, my OB said, it's okay to eat what I want as long as it is in moderation, which I totally agree naman :)

For now, I'm enjoying being my Husband's queen *Laughs*. Every night, I got a legs and back massage, not to mention listening to classical music together with the baby and, and, and before going to sleep? COCOA BUTTER all over my belly. I like :) Haha..

That's all for now..

I'll update more - SOON :)

PS: I miss my JOLOGS family :) Love you all..