BE Beautiful!

All About bareMinerals...all about Bare Escentuals...

check out my new blogsite...

http://www.amazingbeautybyjody.blogspot.com

A new phone again...

Yes, got a new phone again as my Nokia 6101 was stolen last saturday...

It is so frustrating losing all my saved messages, my phonebook and downloads to that phone. I have to rebuild again...hope I can finish soon.

Meanwhile, this is what I've got for myself...Nokia 6680.

Happy Birthday Babes!

It's Dicky's Bday today...and as my gift for him...please check the site below...


A great man...a great dad

La Luz Pictures

Margaux's first dip into the beach...


She's starting to enjoy the water...


Margaux enjoyed playing in the sand...

Lost in Blogging...

Whew! I can't believe my last blog was on the month of April!

There were lots of things that had happened already and I feel sad for not being able to write about it :-(

May-June were very busy month for me...lots and lots of weddings, big weddings actually! And the other blog about our weddings were not even updated! And here's the dilemma, I forgot the password for that blog! Blame it on my epidural!

Anyway, just to recount things...

1. We had a beach fun in La Luz last April 21-22 with the officemates of Dicky. It was the first beach out of Margaux and she enjoyed herself so much in the water and while playing in the sand.

2. Margaux is already walking since she celebrated her 13th month! Now, she even runs...

3. I'm on my 16th week of pregnancy already for the 2nd baby...we are excited to know the gender already next month.

4. We are flying to US for a (one-month) vacation on August. We are excited to see families and friends. Still booking though our tickets. It will be Margaux's first plane ride. Goodluck to us! I hope this vacation will be a breeze since I'll be almost 6 months in gestation by then and with a toddler in tow.

5. I became a reseller of Bare Escentuals products and tools...the hottest craze about make-up nowadays...Hope I will be successful also on this venture.

Sorry, no pictures currently...can't seem to find my camera's cable. Grrrr...hope I can find it before it's totally lost!

And we are addicted to it...

We started this viewing marathon during the holy week. We finished the season 1 in two days! Can't get over it so we are starting season 2 this week...still have 4 dvd's to go...

It is just so addicting...

Margaux's 1st Bday Kwento and Suppliers

Margaux’s 1st Bday Party Kwento and Suppliers

I really wanted to start early with Margaux’s 1st Bday party preparation. Besides from the fact that I’m an event planner, I wanted her 1st bday to be something special since we have waited for more than 2 years for her to come into our lives. And so we wanted to give her the best of everything.

We booked the venue july 2005 after her baptism party last June. We wanted to secure first the place since it’s popular also for other events. We got Valle Verde 6 Clubhouse which for us is ideal because of its location (near our place) and its room capacity (good for 300plus).

Initially, I wanted to have around the world travel adventure with different countries as highlights of the decors and we will even associate the food to the countries. But I still want to have a character theme to unify everything. I introduced Margaux to Barney, allowing her to watch dvds everyday. I noticed her interest in Barney so we proceeded with Barney as our character theme for her 1st bday. I also realized that Barney is a true hit with kids.

Can’t figure out which countries to include. I kept changing my mind. I consulted with Tisha of Balay Kandila cause they will be the one to do all my decors. She pointed out that the kids might not enjoy the countries cause they are not so familiar with it. I asked them what props do they have and they gave us an idea. We decided to shift the theme from around the world to an adventure travel with Barney.

Balay Kandila created 4 adventure areas. Citylife (New york, with statue of liberty and skyscrapers), Under the Sea, Forest (with Shrek) and a Magical Kingdom (pumpkin carousel). With these ideas, I got excited. I explained to Angelette of Jelly Bellies the theme and she got excited also. She recommended to me to get game booths to give highlights to the 4 adventure areas and ensure that kids can go around and play the area.

I went to Divisoria 3times just to buy all the prizes and lootbags. Divisoria Mall is still the best place to go for all of these. Dun pa rin ang pinakamura and pinakamarami. During the course of my shopping, I realized na hindi masyadong marami ang Barney items, unlike the other character items so it also became a challenge for me when buying. So everytime makakita ako ng barney items, pinapakyaw ko na for sure.

It was almost 8 months of preparation but there were lapses in between kasi nga pabago-bago ako ng theme. January of this year when I realized na I don’t have much time so I made sure to accomplish something every week.

On the morning of the bday party, April 2, Dicky and I went to the venue together with all the props, prizes and lootbags. Dalawang balik kami kasi hindi kasya sa isang hakot. When we arrived there at 930am, Josiah’s Catering, Balay Kandila and Wylma Vittali (balloon decors) were already there setting up. Dicky and I really got excited when we saw things being put up together.

The rest of the kwento will be on the supplier’s kwento below:

Invitation – Adworks (688-0085) I have always been a “suki” of Adworks ever since. We got from them the “mnm chocolate covers” for our souvenirs for guests who visited me in the hospital when I gave birth. For the baptism, di ko sila nakuha for invites cause we got pressed for time but then I promised to myself na sila talaga ang gagawa ng invites for the 1st bday of Margaux. When Mye of Adworks showed me a bigger size of invites, I initially liked it. I explained to her the theme and asked for sample designs from her. After a week, she sent me the designs. I loved it! Wala na akong pinabago, as in ang galing cause nakuha nila agad yung gusto ko. I have to change the wordings lang cause I want something personalized. It took me and Dicky about 3 days to finalize the wordings…hay, that causes the delay cause Mye was waiting for it na. Eventually, the invites were released to us 3 weeks before the party. Here’s the wordings we created:

Happy times are fun to share
In the land of make-believes.

The journey begins from a city of lights
To playing together in a forest or under the sea
Then discover a magical kingdom
Where you will be crowned king and queen.

Come and experience this adventure travel as Margarita Frances celebrates
Her 1st bday on April 2, 2006 at 3:30pm in Valle Verde 6 Clubhouse


Decors/Event Styling (BK Arts and Crafts aka Balay Kandila-4149392;4163691). When we were initially discussing the theme, I already got the impression that everything that I want is possible with this group. Lahat kaya nilang gawin. Tisha and Ronald made a magnificent work in the venue. It became a real adventure area. When Angelette of Jelly Bellies arrived, she commented…”It’s magical, your decors are super ganda”. As I mentioned above, they created 4 different adventure areas. A lot of our guests had picture taken in the different areas. I just gave them also the tarpaulin as the backdrop which I don’t know how to hang. They made means to put it at the back of the stage. Wala akong masabi to their work. Tisha and Ronald were there the whole time as well supervising all the setup. They even put a red carpet in the middle of the venue…basta, I so love their work. Hats off to Ronald and Tisha!

Balloon Decors – (Wylma Vittali -8962642; 09178424938) Wylma is my colleague from the business. She is also an event planner who happens to do balloon decors as well. I got her cause she also did the balloon centerpieces during the baptism of Margaux. It was easy dealing with her, puro text messages lang ang instructions ko and everything was carried out. I wanted a fiesta time, banderitas balloon decors. I want to do away with the clustered balloons. Wylma just used the clustered flower design balloons in the entrance, which was fine with me. I also turned over to her Barney stuff toys to put together with the balloon centerpieces. Pinagkaguluhan ito, umpisa pa lang ng party, may kanya kanya nang may-ari ng centerpieces. She also gave me a good rate and I really like her work.

Party Organizer - Jelly Bellies; Angelette-09178398858) I learned about them through n@w. Then I saw their work at Sam’s party (jacqui’s daughter) and I was sure to get them na. I was initially talking to Elly but she turned me over to Angelette since for meeting, Angelette is nearer my place. I only had 1 meeting with her. Everything is through phone call and I was happy with their output. She suggested me to get game booths to highlight my adventure areas. These are the list of items we got from them – Wanlu, Game Booths (ring toss, golf, fishing game) Specialty Food carts (Buy the Bucket, Fiorgelatto Ice Cream, Potato Corner and Krispy Krepe), 2-layer bday cake. Everyone is saying na yummie ang Krispy Krepe. Too bad, di ko man lang natikman. Angelette also left an event manager, si Karla who was very helpful. She knows what she’s doing kahit na medyo bata pa sya. She was coordinating with my coordinators assigned there as well. She was the one who told me pa na kasya my lootbags cause I was worried baka magkulang cause I only have 100pcs, binawasan ko pa ng 1 for Margaux.

87 kids registered! Almost 250 adults arrived! Buti na lang nagkasya ang lootbags ko. In my list kasi I have 120 kids and di na abot if I’ll order pa additional bags. Karla was very helpful during the distribution of lootbags. I prepared lootbags (backpacks and bag tags for kids); lootbags for yayas. For adults, the souvenirs are the photo magnets, I also prepared lootbags for those who attended but without kids, either single or married na walang batang kasama. Walang umuwing luhaan. Bumaha ng prizes. My coordinators just turned over to Karla all the prized and lootbags and she was the one who took care of all of those. After the party, she accounted things and turned over yung mga sobrang prizes and lootbags back to my coordinators.

For the cake, Angelette was honest to tell me na kulang yung cookie lollipops and hindi umabot for the party. I actually did not notice it na but she deducted it from our contract. The food carts were all hit for the guests, as in pinipilahan silang lahat. Ang bilis nga lang naubos cause all was just for 100 servings.

Wanlu was so good. Ang galing nya talaga, a hit talaga with all the kids and adults. He knows how to carry the party. Since I prepared prizes also for kids 2 years old and below, he made sure to prepare a game for them as well. Pati sa mga mommies and daddies, may games din. A lot of people commented how good the host magician was. We made the right choice to get him, kahit medyo mahal. Siya talaga ang nagdala ng party.

The Game booths were ok also. Daming kids nagplay. I prepared all the prizes for the game booths. Kids liked the giant pencils from the fishing game. I also like the golf, bagay na bagay sa area ni Shrek.

Catering and Choco Fountain– (Josiah’s Catering-9425738,9417032) Wala pa kaming venue, we already know who will be our caterer so we have to look for a venue na puede silang mag-cater. Since I’m in wedding industry business, I know who to tap for catering. The food is superb. Dami nagsabi sarap ng food. They gave us their bestsellers: Mongolian Barbeque, Lengua, Chicken Yakitori, Grilled Blue Marlin, Baked Spaghetti, Leche Flan and Buco Pandan. I was worried na baka magkulang cause under talaga ang guaranteed namin sa dumating so meaning nag-overflow kami. I was surprised na nakapaguwi pa kami ng food. So hindi nagkulang and food. They prepared even more than what we guaranteed. Ang syempre, dali kausap. I requested for Sorrento chairs for all adults and kids. I was happy cause they even put ribbon bows to the chairs, akala ko wala na. The choco fountain was ofcourse a usual hit to parties. I ordered dark chocolate cause yun ang favorite ko.

Photo/Video – (John Aguas-09209537827) I was happy with John. Ganda ng camera nya so kahit saan mo ipadevelop ang pics, ganda ng kuha. I got the cds after 5 days. I had to tell him to take pics of all details cause I’m very particular. Meron lang syang di natake na pics, yung under the sea backdrop, but I’m ok na rin with that. Dami nyang kuha with kids having fun. Ang daming shots as in, mga 1000+ ata sya. His video is ok na rin kahit na hindi na i-edit cause he put menus already, dvd na kasi.

Bag Tags/Photo Magnets (Konsepto-Meme Natores-09178510228) When Meme introduced their products in n@w, I contacted her right away and told her that I’m really getting the bag tags from them since the bday theme is traveling so bagay talaga ang bag tags. Pinareserve ko na agad ang date sa kanya. The bag tag was a hit to the kids as well as to the mommies. Pati mommies were thanking me about it cause ganda daw and tamang tama sa pasukan, may lalagay na sila sa school bags ng anak nila. Bag tags nila Konsepto is cheaper than the one in the malls. Then I liked also the design they did. I didn’t put any details about Margaux’s party there so the kids can really use it. It has name of the kid at the back and picture in front.

For the photo magnets, I got it for souvenirs for the adults. Dami ring natuwa dito. I would know cause 177 ang total output. I only confirmed 100pcs so we exceeded. Some of the guests really waited for it. Daming nagdoble actually but I really don’t mind, the guests loved it.

Guestbook, Tarpaulin design and printing, welcome banner, photo mosaic, digital album – Melisse Baylosis-09279948157) She did a great job for it. She was able to keep up with all my pangungulit and pabago-bagong theme. A lot said good words about the guestbook. It was really nice. It was organized per month. It will surely be good keep for Margaux and for her to read it when she grows up. My coordinators took care of routing it so puno talaga all pages. The tarpaulin, welcome banner and photo mosaic were all great. Ang bilis din gumawa ni Melisse. Suki ako ng husband nya cause ang dami kong pini-pick up sa office nito sa Globe. Kakatuwa pa cause yung husband pala ni Melisse eh schoolmate ng brother ko nung college, nun lang sila ulit nagkita…small world!


Projector and Screen with DVD Player – (Web Devices-Velvet San Diego-09178434803). I just called them 2 weeks before the party. Dali rin kausap. Dinala na lang nila yung equipment on the day of the function and they were early. We showed barney dvds while the guests are coming in. Ok sya kasi barney songs din andun so yung iba nanonood sa big screen. The technician was courteous and very reasonable their rates, she gave me 2000lumens so malinaw sya.

AVP – (Threelogy-4344428) At first, wala na dapat AVP but I really felt na parang kulang so I contacted them. I was very glad they accepted my request even short period na lang, 2 weeks actually. I wanted them to use fast song for the avp since nung binyag ni Margaux eh emotional ang avp. So this time, I want it happy since it’s first bday. I only gave them the pictures more than a week and they were able to do it. I was very happy with the output. We showed it while guests are eating. Kitang-kita sa video that guests were really watching it.

Face Painter – (Ryan-09192406276). Thanks to Apple for referring him to me. Peso Power, winner! P1500 only! Walang limit kahit gaano kadami ang kids. I’m supposed to get the glimmer tattoo from Jelly Bellies but when I learned about his rates, I have to cancel, hehehe, nagkuripot ano? But super ok kasi from start to finish, walang tigil ang face painting nya. Text lang kami and I just have to fax to him the map. Walang downpayment, on the day of the event na ang bayad. Have to give him tip na lang cause feeling ko nasulit sya sa party naming dahil sandamak-mak ang kids. We positioned him sa may magical kingdom area which was very ideal. Pati adults, nagpa-face paint.

Backpack supplier –( Sheila-09175774892) Thanks again to Apple for referring me to this supplier. We went to Sheila in 168 mall in our Divi trip ni Apple. I liked their bags, it’s not the usual backpack you see in Divi cause they manufactured it themselves. Ok ang material, matibay. Price wise was also ok. Di nalalayo sa mga ready made backpacks in Divi. The only set-back was naabutan ako ng problem nila sa 168mall. Initially, Sheila called me to tell me na hindi na raw nila magagawa yung bags cause may kaso sila sa Disney dahil bawal cause of licensing. I had to convince her na di Disney character si Barney. Eventually, pumayag syang i-print provided na I increase the quantity from 75pcs to 100 pcs so I agreed since mukhang abot naman dun ang kids ko. Then after more a week, she was supposed to deliver it na to me when the raid in 168 happened. Nadelay nang nadelay yung pagdeliver sa akin, she had to cancel twice our meeting and super kinakabahan na ako nun. I was telling Apple na ganito pala ang feeling ng bride na binibitin ng designer! Ganun ang feeling ko. The backpack was an important part of my party pero 1 week na lang, wala pa sa akin. But I was very happy when I got it. Maganda naman gawa nila so ok na rin. Atleast nabigay nya sa akin a week before so hataw kami sa house ng pag-sort. I also got from her pala 10pcs of couches (barney design) which we raffled off during the party.

Anyway, here are the pictures from the party….

http://community.webshots.com/user/margauxturns1

Overall, our family enjoyed this party. Worth it lahat ng pagod ang gastos after a lot of friends and family said it was a blast and they really enjoyed it. They were even thanking us for inviting them.

Nakakatuwa din sa dami ng gifts! About 97 gifts! Dinaig ang wedding namin. Dicky was very happy and congratulated me for a job well done. I really did most of the planning and preparations and taga-bayad lang siya but I have to make a abonos na rin on the side since ang dami kong elements na gusto.

Sabi ko with my friends before the party, sa 7th bday na ang kasunod nito. But seems like we will have another party next year….2nd bday party of Margaux again and the baptism of our 2nd baby! And another 1st bday on November 2007. Yes, you read it right! We are 7weeks pregnant for our 2nd baby. Di pa naming alam nung party, just last Wednesday lang. So if you will notice in the pics, ang taba ko! Hehehe, found an excuse for myself. We were very happy for this God’s blessing. Napabilis ng husto. Atleast nakalibre kami from clomid and other medications just to get pregnant for the 2nd one. We are hoping for a boy this time.

Happy Bday 1st Bday Margaux!!!

Happy 1st Bday to our dear Margaux!

The Lord is so good by giving you to us...such an adorable daughter....

We're excited for the party this sunday...hope it will be a blast!

After a while...

My title should probably be after a long, long, long while...

I have been meaning to sit back and blog the whole day long...but i just can't seem to do it because of busy schedules. Now, with only few minutes in my hands, I just decided to give blogging a try again...

I still have to catch my memory for the things/events that happened in the last 2 months and can't seem to refresh my mind yet so I'll just go for what I can remember...

Updates:

1. High notes for Margaux's bday preparation...look at all the goodies and loots I got from Divisoria. Still need to do a lot of sorting and to schedule another trip back there.



2. I finally got a new laptop...yes, read it right...bought already the Compaq M2217. Got a great deal, besides it's a great gift from hubby. He said, it is his gift already for christmas 2006. I hope he forgets when December arrives.



3. Recently went to Baguio for a wedding. Amidst all the hassles and stress, Baguio is still a beautiful place to hold a wedding. Was able to catch a cold weather and enjoy the place even for a short time only.





4. Gave Dicky a nice present last V-Day. Sent him via courier a photo mosaic and a card. Asked him to open the trunk of the car for another present...a laptop bag which he's been meaning to get. He was definitely suprised by it!



5. Inspite of it, he will leave me and margaux pa rin for a trip to Malaysia for the whole week next week. Huhuhu! If it's not just the bridal fair on March 4-5. I'll insist to come with him. Hehehe, love you babes!

I'm dreaming about you...

Remember my blog about...All I want for christmas?...is a LAPTOP!

Can't wait to make you mine!

Finally, a new phone for me...

After using my existing phone for more than 2 years, I finally convinced and rewarded myself to get a new phone. Kawawa na kasi my old phone...ilang beses nang bumagsak!

I just wanted to get a new phone...just the basic features cause I really need it for calling and texting only. I think this suits me well...



I'm happpy for getting it!

Our Margaux...updates!

Time flies so fast...it seems like yesterday when I was still very much pregnant with Margaux last January 2005. And now, she's almost 10months old!...now learning how to walk, have 2 cute little teeth and been babbling a lot of syllables already.

I have a backlog in posting her latest pictures...I hope I can do it soon...

With my busy schedule with my upcoming events, I still try to squeeze in some preparations for her upcoming 1st bday party!

Here are some updates:

1. Booked and finalized the venue-Valle Verde 6 Clubhouse

2. Finalized the Theme - Adventure Travel -->(don't want to spill a lot of beans!...suprise!)

3. Booked and finalized menu with the Caterer - Josiah's Catering

4. Booked the magician/host - Wanlu c/o Jelly Bellies

5. Met with invitation supplier, starting to conceptualize on design - Adworks

6. Booked a bag tag supplier - Konsepto -->(downpayment na lang ang kulang!)

Still more to go for to do's:

a. Schedule meeting with Jelly Bellies to finalize items we are getting from them.

b. Meet with Mimi (Bumblebee and Co) for the dress/costume of Margaux on her bday.

c. Finalize and give downpayment for photo-video

d. Bring Margaux for pictorial in Child's Play so pictures can be used for all paraphernalia.

e. Finalize design with Melisse for the tarpaulin; send to Melisse pictures for the photo mosaic.

f. Finalize design setup of venue with event stylist-BK Arts and Crafts

g. Finish buying prizes, lootbags, etc.

Am I missing out on anything?...Hmmm, let's see, just need to work on the above items before mid-February!

Need I say more?...I'm so OC!

New Blog...

I have decided to create a new blog...

A new blog about my passion...

A blog about weddings...

A blog about my clients...

A blog about what happened during the wedding day...

A blog about emotions not captured in scenes...

A blog about surviving another wedding day...

These are for all Events Experts clients...

In the journey together from the wedding preparations, up unto the wedding itself...

An honor to be part of the most important event in one's life...

Take a peek what happenned behind the wedding scenes...

www.events-experts.blogspot.com

Where have I been?...

Whew, it was a very busy December for me up until at this time. I miss blogging so much...I have so many stories to tell, so many thoughts to share and so many pictures to show.

I hope I can get back to the habit of blogging. Memories might have slipped my mind.

Will get back again...

Coins anyone?

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas declared a scarcity of coins. They are being audited to billions of coins that are not in circulation in our country today. Well, Pinoys are just damned good in saving...saving coins in the coinbank! hehehe...and we are one of those!

We recently opened a coin bank which we got during my baby shower from one of my egroup family. It has been a tradition to every baby shower, that a coin bank will be presented as the first of our babies. Margaux was not spared from that tradition and we were delighted to receive then our princess coinbank.

We started saving on it last February and have to open it early December cause it's already full. Look how much we've got...i enjoyed counting the P5 and P10 coins.



We also opened another one...it's our own blue piggy bank...margaux posed for a picture with a hefty P5,620!

All About Marriage

In this season of christmas, December is the most peak month for the wedding industry. You will expect suppliers to be very busy at this time of year. (i'm one of them!)

According to statistics, there are more than 4000 couples getting married each month in Metro Manila alone. That number more than doubles during the month of December.

It is amazing to be part of my clients' weddings. Each is unique and has some stories to tell. I always love to see two individuals so in love with each other, pouring down their emotions as they walk down the aisle, as they exchange their vows and as they finally make their first kiss as husband and wife. You will see all the glow in their eyes. What then makes the marriage after the wedding day?

Dicky and I recently watched the movie, "Shall We Dance" in DVD starring the very handsome Richard Gere and the sexy Jennifer Lopez. I like that movie, it's very light and refreshing but has some wisdom to share.

One of my favorite lines from the movie came from Susan Sarandon who plays as wife of Gere.

"All these promises that we make and we break, why is it, do you think, that people get married? Because we need a witness to our lives. There's a billion people on the planet. I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything-the good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things. All of it. All the time, everyday. You're saying, your life will not go unnoticed, because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed, because I will be your witness."

Richard Gere, on the other hand said during the last part of the movie...

"The one thing I am proudest of in my whole life is that you are happy with me. If I couldn't tell you that I was unhappy sometimes, it was because I didn't want to risk hurting the person I treasure most."

This made me cry...

Such a lovely movie.

It's beginning to look like christmas.

It's beginning to look like Christmas!

Yipee, finally was able to shop for christmas...started wrapping gifts and look what we've got...





Happy holidays!

Margaux turned 8months today!

Happy 8th Month Bday Margaux!

Pansit and leche flan this time...

4 months to go!...Travel with Barney and Margaux on her 1st bday!

Update on my overdues!

1. Confirm and finalize venue for Margaux's 1st bday--->DONE!

2. Finalize bday theme for Margaux--->DONE!

3. Propylaxis

4. Cauterization of Warts--->DONE!

5. Facial Cleaning--->DONE!

6. Visit OB for Pap Smear

7. Start Christmas Shopping--->IN PROGRESS!

8. Go to Divisoria to check loots for Margaux's bday

9. Spa Appointment- for body scrubbing

10. Attend hairstyling class

11. Have trial session in Little Gym, Gymboree, Tumbletots for Margaux

12. Scrapbooking --> haven't finished her baptism scrapbook and her monthly scrapbook!
---> IN PROGRESS!

13. Learn how to make photo mosaic

14. Pictorial Session for Margaux with Child's Play--->DONE!

15. Buy Christmas cards for sending to friends, relatives abroad

16. Play Badminton

17. Exercise

18. Diet, diet, diet ---> eto ang pinakamahirap sa lahat kaya ihuhuli ko na lang!

I noticed these changes in me...

Twenty things that change when you have a baby
By Rebecca Woolf

What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be: What doesn't change? Read mom Rebecca Woolf's list of post-baby differences

1. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself. --->Jody says: I like so much this one!

2. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

3. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

4. You're less self-involved and more self-motivated.

5. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

6. You respect your body ... finally. (Hooray for baby-making!)

7. You have stronger opinions and are stronger willed.

8. You respect your parents and love them in a new way. (Hooray for grandparents!)

9. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.---> Jody says: AMEN!

10. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child. (Hooray for the tooth fairy!)

11. You lose touch with the people in your life that you should have banished years ago.

12. Your heart breaks much more easily.

13. You think of your baby 234,836,178,976 times a day. In fact, you're so busy with this that you forget everything else. ---> Jody says: Very, very true!

14. Every day is a surprise. ---> Jody says: It's an exciting world!

15. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

16. You think before you speak.

17. You become a morning person. (Hooray for watching the sun rise!) --->Jody says: This is the biggest change in me! I can now wake up as early as 5am!

18. If you have a son, you no longer curse men. (Hooray for all men!)

19. If you have a daughter, you hope she won't endure your same heartaches.

20. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

Mommies, did you notice these changes in you too? :-) :-) :-)

My pains last week...

We already went out of the hospital last friday night. We stayed there from Tuesday afternoon till Friday so almost 4 days din. Margaux had to be admitted because of pneumonisis, 1st stage of pneumonia daw yun. Her respiratory rate when we went to pedia was at 65 already. Dapat for her age around 35-40 lang. Ibig sabihin nun, hirap na syang huminga. Kaya her pedia advised us na for admittance na sya cause she can't take any chances daw.

On our way to the hospital, parang i have a feeling na ma-admit na nga sya. Monday night kasi, she really had bad coughs as in every 30mins. But she was still very playful naman so kala ko rin ok na. I was the one lang who brought her with the yaya kasi si Dicky was on a meeting in Makati. Color coding pa kami kaya we went to pedia around after lunch para pasok sa window ng walang coding. Usapan namin ni Dicky, susunod sya sa Med City. Ayun nga, sabi ni pedia, dalhin namin sya sa emergency room. She was suctioned through the nose para lumabas ang phlegm. Hay, di ko ma-take ito! I have to go out of the room and sabi ko na lang sa resident doctor to be gentle to my baby. She cried a lot. Namaga na ang mata sa kakaiyak.



Tapos, yung IV naman. We wanted sana sa paa na lang ilagay kasi she thumb sucks nga. Pero both feet walang nakita, kaya sa left hand din nailagay. Syempre, mega iyak na naman sya. This time, it was dicky who was holding her. It pains me so much to see her in pain. Grabe talaga ang feeling. Feeling of awa talaga kay Margaux cause she has to go through it. My feeling was like questioning kung bakit mukhang sakitin ang anak ko. What could be the problem? Pedia said na medyo mahina nga ang respiratory ni Margaux. So kung di maagapan, could lead to asthma. May pinagmanahan ata kay Dicky eh. Dicky was asthmatic kasi when he was a kid. Who would believe ano, sa laki nyang yan ngayon? But until 10yrs old, he has asthma pero na-outgrow na din nya. We are considering to have her vaccined for IPD, pneumococcal vaccine. Ito yung bagong commercial sa TV, which is good ata para sa mga case ni margaux who is prone to pneumonia.

Right now, she's better naman. She plays a lot na rin. Although nalungkot ako ng sobra kasi namayat din sya. Thank you for all those who texted, emailed us. Maraming salamat talaga. I needed that on those times. It was very comforting. Thank you very much for all your prayers.

I'm still in love with this man!

Yes, I am still very much in love with this man...

He is my daily dose of sanity and my daily breakfast to live my life beautifully...Dicky and my daughter Margaux makes my life complete.

I was cleaning up the junk files in my computer when I came across a letter...a letter I wrote and gave to my husband over a month before my delivery. I want to be sentimental about it. It's so good to reminisce.

February 24, 2005

Dear Dicky,

Being pregnant is a time of such anticipation, optimism and dreaming…of fear and insecurity and even self-doubt. I have felt all of these in the course of my pregnancy. At first, the joy of finally having our gift after more than two years of waiting made me feel so blessed. Until now that I am close to the final track, I almost can’t believe that I am capable of making one and carrying a life in my womb.

It is an extraordinary experience to go through all this pregnancy business. And nothing can be more rewarding than the very support of all the people around you, most especially from someone who was part of all this conspiracy (hehehe)…your husband.

Babes, I want to express my wholehearted gratitude to you for all the encouragement, support and pampering you have been extending to me the moment you learned that we are pregnant up to this very time. A lot of things are going into my mind but you were there always to keep me sane. I know that all these experiences and confusions are also very new to you but I’m glad we are together on this matter.

Thank you for regularly accompanying me to my doctor’s checkups. It makes me feel secured and just be excited on every visit rather than focus on how much weight I have already gained and if I would ever go back to my normal size! (huhuhu)

Thank you for attending the childbirth class with me. Although I know that it is something very strange for you initially, still my persistence proves to be effective for you. I hope the classes made you see the beauty of being part of your wife’s delivery time even if it takes you to clamp and cut our baby Margaux’s umbilical cord. Baby, you can do it. Talking about my persistence right?

I appreciate you being open to the idea of being with me through my labor pains up until we can hold Margaux in our arms already. Have I convinced you about it? Not to put pressure but I want you to let me know ahead of time if you can withstand the pain that I will go through. Of course, I want you to be comfortable as well during those times and not be annoyed for being part of it. Don’t worry, I promise not to shout on you whenever a contraction strikes! But I would still count on your PATIENCE on me. That is one virtue I appreciate mostly from you.

Thank you for being a good provider for me and of course for our coming baby. I know how much you are striving hard to ensure our family’s future and to just provide the best. You are such a responsible man and that is something I really look up to you. I know you have problems/concerns in the office but you are not letting it get in the way or even make me worry about it. I want you to know that I value each day that you go to office and all your hardships. Will always be there for you to support you and I’m proud for what you have become already in your current state. Now, it isn’t just me who will be there for you always, supporting you to take more leaps and conquer more worlds, our daughter will also cheer to you: “Go, go to the Best Dad in the World!”

Now that I am coming into the homestretch, each day requires a lot of endurance as I finally wait to end this maternity marathon. I sometimes feel guilty that I haven’t been taking care of you lately, sorry not just lately but since I got this big ball in my stomach. I am so preoccupied with the things to prepare for the baby not only materially but also physically and most importantly emotionally.

I would like to take this time to apologize for the times I have not been a good wife to you. I haven’t been sensitive to your needs nor have I been thoughtful and sweet lately. I always want to take the prime seat and would always want to be pampered. I didn’t realize that I also have some obligations to you as your wife and as your partner in life.

You talking to Margaux every morning and evening makes us bond as a family. I can now feel that we are a FAMILY! I can’t wait to hold our daughter in our arms as we play with her. I’m sure she would be our angel.

When the time comes that Margaux is beside us already, please don’t feel insecure just in case I would sometimes neglect you. It isn’t intentional. I would appreciate you constantly reminding me to take care of you as well. And if sometime, I feel so stressed and harassed already with the demands of motherhood, a big hug from you will do. I may not be perfect but knowing that I have you beside me, supporting and appreciating me even in my mistakes would be a perfect compliment already.

I am looking forward for our future life together now that we will have our 1st born already. I am sure we would still want to have another one or more children, depends on what the Lord will provide. It makes me anticipate of more good times together as a family.

Life is really so sweet especially with you. I thank the Lord everyday for bringing us into each other’s life.

I love you so much daddy babes!

Yours,
Mommy Jody

Who wants a chocolate cake?

I do! Last sunday, I tried my luck in the kitchen to bake a chocolate cake. Sharing some pictures...

How the mixture looked like after using an electric mixer....

Then poured in the pan...

Preparing the chocolate frost over low heat...

After 30 minutes of baking over 350 degree celsius...

Now, with frosting on top...

After all, a slice of chocolate cake can make my day! Yummie...

Tag!

I was tagged by Leah (thanks for introducing it to me). I don't know what it is but been reading about it to some of my blogmates.

Let me try it...

here are twenty random facts about ME:

1. I married the right guy and we are still very happy together.
2. I'm a mom to a beautiful baby named Margarita Frances (Margaux).
3. I'm a stress freak.
4. I'm a bag shopaholic. I have more than 50 different kinds of bags.
5. I love my Magic Mic.
6. I have lots of work currently.
7. I want to have a laptop.
8. I love travelling.
9. I don't want to exercise but I want to trim down my excess fats.
10. I joined beauty pageants when I was in grade school and high school, bet you, I always bagged a prize!
11. I believed in Santa Claus until I was 10.
12. I don't fit in my wedding gown anymore.
13. I only learned how to swim about 5years ago, when I enrolled in Lozada swimming class.
14. I know how to drive, been driving for 7years now.
15. I love pasta.
16. I have keloidal skin.
17. I want to try being a make-up artist as a career.
18. I love and enjoy my work.
19. I sleep late at night. Earliest at 12mn.
20. I enjoy blogging.

Next to tag is Ana, Tina and April.

Trick or Treat???!!!

Margaux is definitely a treat in our eyes. Isn't she cute with her pink piggy costume? Thanks to her ninang Mimi. She's wearing a bumblebee costume. (puede nang model ninang!).

Today, she's celebrating her 7th month bday. I cooked lasagna for merienda and the lola has her take for a pancit canton...wow, another bday celebration for our little angel!

All I want for Christmas...

All I want for Christmas is a....

L A P T O P!!!

Hay, but couldn't be this christmas cause kulang ang budget ko! :-(

Anyway, may christmas naman every year eh...kung kailan ko na lang ma-afford :-) :-) :-)

My Overdues

Ok, to start off with my blogging...i'll scribble first about all my overdue personal to dos:

1. Confirm and finalize venue for Margaux's 1st bday
2. Finalize bday theme for Margaux
3. Propylaxis
4. Cauterization of Warts
5. Facial Cleaning
6. Visit OB for Pap Smear
7. Start Christmas Shopping
8. Go to Divisoria to check loots for Margaux's bday
9. Spa Appointment- for body scrubbing
10. Attend hairstyling class
11. Have trial session in Little Gym, Gymboree, Tumbletots for Margaux
12. Scrapbooking --> haven't finished her baptism scrapbook and her monthly scrapbook!
13. Learn how to make photo mosaic
14. Pictorial Session for Margaux with Child's Play
15. Buy Christmas cards for sending to friends, relatives abroad
16. Play Badminton
17. Exercise
18. Diet, diet, diet ---> eto ang pinakamahirap sa lahat kaya ihuhuli ko na lang!

NONE SENSE!!!

I wrote few lines...

I paused...

I wrote again...

I paused...

I deleted everything....

With so many things on my mind...

I don't know where to start....

There's no sense on what I'm writing now...

I hope I can get back to blogging...

Maybe, I'm just tired...

or maybe I'm just too stubborn...

After a long while...

Oh, I miss blogging so much...been very busy the past few weeks. I don't know. It's not just about work but a lot more things. Hay, can't enumerate na all the things that has passed and happened but i'm trying to get back online to still keep my sanity...hehehe.

Will be blogging again soon...

Have your cake and eat it too!

We just had a simple celebration for the 6th month bday of Margaux, just 6months not 6th year!Yes, we are still celebrating it per month...but the best part of it is that she had candle blowing again on her cake, just like on her 1st month bday.

Yum-yum chocolate cake from a reliable supplier...RED RIBBON! (hehehe)

Margaux's Passport

Finally got Margaux's passport. Can't stop looking at her picture there...so cutie! Mana sa mommy! Kailan kaya matatatakan ang passport nya and saan kaya ang unang destination? Wish, wish, wish again...will see!

Margaux at Play!

See my baby play? Isn't she adorable? She enjoys her playgym so much already. She reaches for all those hanging toys already. Before she barely can't even kick those. This time, she loves rolling over back and forth on it.

Margaux is growing!

By Friday, Sept 30, Margaux is already 6months old! How time flies so fast!

Pressure now, as I really need to prepare for her upcoming 1st bday party. I don't want to cram cause it is just around the corner. I need to have the budget approved by the CFO (Chief Financial Officer), none other than my loving husband. (babes, if you are reading this, hehehe, halatang sipsip ano?)

Need to make a budget planner so I won't go overboard. Wish, wish, wish! Dami kong wish for her 1st bday celebration!

What's keeping me busy?

I have to admit...I'm an addict of Pinoy Big Brother...isa ako sa mga tsismosang pinoy na nakikisilip sa ginagawa ng mga housemates...I'm so affected by this show! As in! Ang cute pa naman ng bagong pasok na housemate na si SAM!!!

*****

Well, hindi naman Pinoy Big Brother lang ang inaasikaso ko...I have lots of work, work, and work! December is just around the corner kaya naman, dami na namang meetings and weddings! Peak months na naman!

*****

Another thing that keeps me busy? My newly purchased Magic Mic!!! Yipee, got one courtesy of my kumare Cheann...(thanks for selling to me). Ngapala, di pa bayad yun pero enjoy na enjoy na ako! Hehehe...

Another career for me...singer naman! Hahaha, halatang walang magawa ano?...

Accomplishments!

Talking about Margaux, she has another milestones...sleeping in her stomach and holding her bottle when feeding!!!

I mentioned before that she rarely rolls over. But since last week, I'm a proud mamma because wala namang tigil ang pag-dapa. Until last friday, nakatulog na sya to that position. Before kasi, she really doesn't really like that position.

Then we were teaching her also how to hold her bottle when feeding. We're teaching her how to put the nipple into her mouth. She needs guidance pa but I think we're getting at it.

*****
Another accomplishment, finally had time to get the edited video of Margaux's baptism last friday from Ariel Javelosa. Parang nag-debut si Margaux sa mga kuha!

We will be proud to show it to her when she grows up...we want to document every phase of her life...her milestones...how much we love her.

*****
I'm so happy to accomplish this one thing that has been sitting in my To Do list for almost 2 months already!...that is applying for a Passport for Margaux!

Yesterday, we submitted already all the documents needed to the agency who is going to process it. It took me some time to complete the docs because I waited for the authenticated birth certificate from NSO. We also had Margaux's passport picture just last week.

Hay finally it's done! Just have to pick it up after 2wks. Are we leaving or travelling?...Hmmm, still thinking. The passport is valid for 5years anyway!

Feels Like Home

Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life.

If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails at night
But I'm alright, cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light

Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

The above song is what I've been singing to Margaux since she was a newborn. It so amazing how she recognizes this song every bed time. Now, she even hums with me and smiles spontaneously whenever she hears the song. After few minutes, she's already in her dreamland!

Who knows, soon... she would really sing it with me already...talking about the making of the next diva!

Well, just my dreams for her...

Bridal Look

The pictures were taken last Friday as we were asked to do a bridal look to our models.(peace tina, for posting your pics!)

It took me almost 3 hours to do it...trying to follow what my model chose for a bridal look in a magazine.

Need to practise more so the three hours can be cut back to two and a half! Hahaha!

A tiring weekend...

Whew! It was a tiring weekend. It was the Wedding Expo last Sept 3 and 4 in NBC Tent. I have to be there for both days. But it was a fun atmosphere with all the soon-to-wed couples checking out their favorite suppliers. I was happy with the turn-out. Got a good number of bookings. I was also visited by Margaux in my booth. I went around to show her to my supplier friends. They all say she looks like Dicky! No doubt...