Rescue me...

Both mama and daddy are here to stay with us in Sydney for the next 12 months... Woohoo!!!

They just arrived today...

Luigi's First Movie

Friday, June 25 after hubby left for work (or some .Net Training he's attending the whole week), I started doing my domestic duties like - starting the laundry, tidying up the living room (Wiji's toys are just everywhere), giving Luigi a healthy breakfast (which by the way he finished up while we were watching his first Hi-5 dvd), and giving him a bubble bath (it's a bit of luxury for him cause he doesn't really get a lot of it during weekdays because of our work sched), and a lot of other small chores that I just can't force myself to let go. Although at the back of my mind, I hear an echo that says "Let GO!". Ah, I just brush it off every now and then. I want the hosue tidy and in order when we come home the following day.

Anyway, so from 8-9:45 am, I've been doing all of these in a, well, "hurried fashion" to make it to our Gymbaroo (trial) class which is set at 10:30. After too much mucking around, we were able to get on the road at 10:15 am. Waaaahhhh! We'll never make it... Luckily I had a plan B. In case we don't make it at the session nearby, I can catch a toddler session at 11:10 am but in a different district (but I didn't notify them! Hehehe!). Aarrrgh! Why am I always running late?

Anyway, in one minute I made up my mind and went back home - to hang more washed clothes on the line (hahahaa!) before we proceeded to that "different district" - okay let me tell you the suburb at least - it's Ryde (which is at least 20 minutes away from Baulkham Hills).

We were on our way by 10:30 and I was really happy that I have an alternative location for this Gymbaroo class. But I had a hard time looking for the building .. It was in a busy location and I was going in circles for 10 minutes before finally I found the place. What a waste of time! But I must say that it was all worth it. Luigi was paying attention to the activities and was more or less cooperative. He just didn't like the idea of mixing with other kids without holding on to Mum's hands. He was always cautious about my "whereabouts". He had fun at the gym too where we tried different toys, obstacle courses, skateboards, etc. How I wish I could take him there every week. But my work doesn't permit me, too bad!

Anyway, after attending a trial of Gymbaroo class, we went back home to pack up our things for our overnight stay at Mariott Hotel in Sydney CBD. We got in the hotel at half 3.. and by 4pm we took a nap... Louie followed us at the hotel (which is like 500 meters away from where he works) . Then, we started getting ready for Luigi's first trip to the movies.

It's going to be "SHREK" tonight. We had a quick dinner and bought some chips and M&Ms in case Luigi gets bored. By the way, I hardly give my son any chocolates and until now he doesn't know Coke or any softdrinks for that matter.

Amazingly, our little bub sat on the whole movie, "Shrek" and never bothered taking M&Ms or chips. He just kep asking for water and his only request was to sit on his Daddy's lap so he can see better. When the movie was flashing the credits, he was asking for more.. Hehehe!

Louie and I were certified movie buffs until we had Luigi. But now I can say that we're back to the movies and with Luigi in tow!!!

Ten Years Later - still 2gether4ever

June 24, 1994 - The first day that Louie came to visit me at what-used-to-be-my home in Manila. The first day he met my family. The day he asked me the question, "Do you love me?". Okay enough of the kabaduyan cause I'm sure it has been read over and over again from our wedsite. But to tell you the truth - these "kabaduyans" were all recounted, ten years later - TODAY, that is! - Also, nicely written (oh yeah, my hubby has a very nice penmanship) - in his Anniversary Card for me, were 10 reasons why he enjoys life with me:

1. because you understand my weaknesses.
2. because you cook delicious food.
3. because you encourage me to be a better person.
4. because you give me a massage every once in a while.
5. because you take care of planning our holidays.
6. because you drive for us when I had too much to drink.
7. because you are able to tease me so badly that I'd burst into anger and yet still manage to laugh hard at me.
8. because you are so good in bed.
9. because you inspire me to be creative.
10. because you love me despite of my shortcomings.

Oh and in case you knew that he gave me Hershey's kisses 10 years ago... He has never given me one since then. (Cause in Australia you can only get them in SOME Filipino stores. You're lucky if they have it in stock too). But today, he did. *sweet, totally*

Nothing fancy of some sort has been planned for tonight. But tomorrow, Friday, I'm taking a day off to take Luigi to Gymbaroo. Then Mum and Bub will be city bound to check-in at Mariott Hotel (overlooking the Sydney Harbour) while waiting for Louie to finish his training so we can all watch Shrek 2 and spend the evening cuddling in the hotel suite... This is how we're celebrating the day after our 4th wedding anniversary!

I thank God today for the gift of spouse - Louie. Nothing in this world would mean anything without him.

Luvsyah,
Maan

Luigi's 2nd Birthday Party

Luigi's first time to blow his birthday cake. 




Luigi's Second Birthday Party 




Luigi 

It's almost Mother's Day!!!

In less than a week, it's gonna be a Sunday for Mums. Hmnn, but it doesn't really mean that I'm gonna get anywhere near lying-on-the-couch-munching-on-some-Becky's-crinkles-(that I got yesterday via courier sent by Mum)-while-watching-my-favorite-feel-good-movie.

There are loads of chores needed to be done plus my routine to cook as many dishes as I can for the week is back! Oh yes - I always prioritize preparing Luigi's meals (comprised of soup-based dishes) for the week now that he's back to a child care. I want him to gain back the pounds he lost when he got sick during our trip and on our first week in Sydney.

Forgot to mention that on the way back to Sydney, Luigi was nursing a very high fever. It was on-an-off while we were in Singapore. Finally when we reached Sydney, he tested positive for UTI. My poor baby - enduring the pain all throughout. He was even rushed to Baulkham Hills Private Hospital for some immediate IV drug. And I wasn't even around to cuddle him. I felt guilty but relieved because I know Louie's there to comfort him and also my brother.

Aha, forgot to mention that I've finally fulfilled my long-forgotten-promise to my young brother - a trip down under for his summer school break, that is! So now he looks after his nephew during Mondays and Fridays. A perfect setup to help Luigi gradually get at ease with the child care.

So you see, I've got 3 boys to look after. Indeed, I've got a busy household. Full-house!!! But it's all good. I haven't really spent so much time with my brother ever since I left Manila five years ago. At least he gets to spend more time with his fave BIL (Kuya Louie) and of course with Wiji.

It's Mother's Day and I can't ask for more... except for a few, like..

1. wish mum is here. (We celebrated Mum's day together last year)
2. wish we can go back to Palawan.
3. wish I have more money to buy that nice pink coat I saw the other week.
4. and maybe extra cash for some new pair of sneakers.
5. and a long weekend will do.

Hehehe! Don't get me wrong.. I'm totally contented whenever my son laughs at my silly acts.

I love being a MOM!

Luvsya,
Maan

New Wedding Bands

One of the main purpose why we travelled to Singapore last March was to get our platinum wedding bands.

It's been more than a year since for Louie and two years for me since we stopped wearing our original rings. Why? Because they don't fit anymore especially when I was on the last trimester of my pregnancy with Luigi. :( I don't like to resize them cause there's a diamond stud on both. We'd rather preserve it. Anyway, my eternity ring is white gold so might as well buy something that goes with it. Ever since we've been discussing what we like our new wedding bands to look like. It was a long discussion that entails another question, "Do we have the budget???".

A year ago, the hopeful me started browsing through Lee Hwa's website for new designs that will match our old ones. We thought we've found the one among the John Rainier's collection until we saw the rings in person. It wasn't our type. Our quest for new bands was doomed. So we tried another branch in SunTec City just before meeting up with Singapore N@Wie friends for dinner - and here we found the one we like.

We're both very happy with our platinum rings - still the same design - with a diamond stud (only for the wife this time) - and it matches the thickness of my eternity ring - Louie's gift to me on our first Christmas as husband and wife.

Maan

Back to Work!

It's been over a week now since we came back from our vacation in Singapore and Manila and I'm already planning when's our next holiday gonna be. Hahaha! Can't get enough!

It was fun and was all worth it (even after looking at my VISA bill with one eye close). Hehehe! Now we're back to work and Louie just started yesterday with a new company - Commonwealth Bank Premium Financial Services.

I'll try to tell you some more in the next few days. You see, I'm still getting the hang of doing chores without Mom's help. For now, enjoy our pics and hope it tells something, somehow.

L n M - 2004 Holidays

Luvsya,
Maan

Mixed Emotions...

The last few days that passed were full of excitement, anticipation to our 3-week vacation overseas. But today, I'm feeling a bit strange. The day started with a heavy heart. I don't know why... I was nostalgic! Perhaps at the thought that tomorrow's mom's flight back to the Philippines. And after that, I'll have domestic chores back on my shoulders (Which I am fully aware is my responsibility!!! Stop nagging me about it! Thanks!).

Sometimes I envy my siblings back home that they have our mom to look after them. Geeze, what on earth am I thinking? I'm already a mom myself. And I should be doing motherly chores for my husband and son myself. I guess it's the child in me thinking out loud. It's been one whole year with all her love and support. Not to mention her little antics here and there, our mother-daughter misunderstandings, her mood swings and the like. But she's still the best cause she would always put up with me and my stubborness.

Why am I feeling odd today when I'm going to see her again on Monday. Hehehe! I feel like I'm gonna miss my mom more than Luigi, my son. Cause I'll be looking at her empty bedroom again - imagining one of those soap opera themes playing in the background - and memories of her sitting by the bed flashing through. Then realizing, it's gonna be indefinite when I will be seeing her again.

Then I remind myself, this is where I belong. Then I thank God for all that I have, the people that I love and their unconditional love.

Lusya,
Maan

Change of plans

I dont know if I should be happy - but I think I should be. Last night on the way home my other travel agent rang me to let me know that they can confirm 2 seats for me on March 27 travelling to Singapore. Aaaahhh.. I've already made a deposit with Flight Centre. Luckily, I haven't issued final payment to them. Today is actually the last day. I knew it - something was keeping me from closing the deal with them.

Thank God, I can still use my deposit to purchase ticket for domestic/international flights and even hotel accommodation anywhere in the world!!! When the travel consultant told me about the accommodation I suddenly felt relieved of the pressure to travel interstate in the next 6 months just to use my deposit. Cause I'm actually in the process of looking for a hotel to stay in on the way back to Singapore for us (LnM plus Luigi).It just worked well in the end!!! God knows best indeed!

So now I've got a perfect itinerary leaving on the 27th of March and coming back on the 18th of April (Although this new agent's fee is like $38 more per person. But that's okay! These are minimal trade offs.)

Luvsya,
Ma'an

I hate books but I try to read some...

Well, lately I'm into a couple of books.

One is that "Purpose Driven Life" - as recommended, or should I say upon the prodding of my dear friend. Took her several weeks to convince me to get the book. During the week that I finally decided to "look" for one, I received it as gift /Christening souvenir. That's what I call divine intervention!

Second book, that I've just started to read is written by Sophie Kinsella. I've been intrigued by her Shopaholic series. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a copy at either Dymocks or Angus & Robertson. Hmnn, maybe next time I should try Ebay. Anyway, I - with I, I meant, hubby - just bought "Can you keep a secret". So far, it's getting me glued to the story. It's about this female financial analyst, after screwing up a deal with another company in London, shared her secrets to a stranger on a plane...

Maybe when I get to the end, I'll be able to give a clearer gist. But I know they're starting to make this into a movie.

Anyway, happy reading to you and me!

Luvsya,
Maan

H-Mode is turned ON!!!

H-Mode : (1) Holiday-mode (2) Honeymoon-mode (3) Happy-mode (4) Have fun - mode

It has been a long while since this "switch" was seen "on". :) For the record it has been a little over than 2 years when Louie and I went on holidays, particularly overseas, to have fun and just enjoy the time together.

My mom's (very long) vacation in Sydney will soon be over. Gone will be the days when both Louie and I will come home from work with dinner all set and ready. Yum! Yum!

When mom leaves for Manila this month, Luigi will be coming along with her. Which reminds me that I need to process his Filipino passport so he wouldn't need a Philippine visa. I'm still waiting for his Australian passport. Hopefully before the week ends I'll have it on my hand. And another document - Waiver of Exclusion - because he's travelling with neither his parents. Anyway, let me not elaborate further on those requirements cause it's starting to hurt my brain again. :P

So there, when our little tot visits the Philippines for the first time to meet his maternal Lolo, Tita, and Tito, Louie and I will be child free!!! But not for long!!! We figured, we wouldn't be able to withstand the loneliness of being apart from "Luis Miguel". So we decided to follow Luigi sooner than we originally planned for. But we'll be stopping over at Singapore before we reunite with our little one. We'll arrive Singapore on March 28 and arrive Manila on March 30. The following day, we take another plane ride. This time to enjoy the luxurious beach of Palawan islands for the next 3 days. How's that for a third honeymoon?

After that, I can say that we'll be staying put in Manila until the 16th of April. It really depends on our moods. We might take an overnight trip to Baguio or visit Canyon Woods or enjoy a sumptous meal at Antonio's in Tagaytay.

I know I sound like I've known and have been to these places. Hell no! Hehehe! It's all listed in my I-wish-to-do list. I just wanna make the most out of our trip.

To all our friends, we hope to catch up with you again very soon.

Luvsya,
Ma'an