Coco's Baby Shower

Theme : Pink and Yellow
Food : Garlic Shrimp, Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit Canton, Enchilada, Hotdog with Marshmallow on stick, Laing and Chicken Pastel
Drinks : Pomelo and Mango Juice with Lemon Slices
Desserts : Jewelry Box Cake from Breadtalk, Chocolate Fondue, Lollipop Cake, Chocolate and Candies.
Decor : Flower Pompoms, Balloons, Flags, Ultrasound Pics
Games : Guess mom's tummy size, Guess Baby Coco's exact birthday, Balloon Relay

Our intimate baby shower was held last 23rd September 2012. Even if I was stressed out because of the preparations, it was really so much fun to celebrate Baby Coco's coming. We are really thankful for everyone who came showing their love for our baby! :)

Celebrations!

For the month of August, we celebrated three occasions. I can say, that it's our favorite month. It's hubby's birthday on the 1st, my birthday on the 10th and our anniversary on the 27th. Oh happy month! :)

We just ate dinner at Brotzeit Raffles City for hubby's birthday. And for my birthday, we had dinner at Marmalade Pantry with Kuya and Karen.

For our 1st Wedding Anniversary, we stayed in Shangrila Rasa Sentosa Resort Hotel. Ohhh it was a wonderful staycation! Although a bit expensive, but truly worth it. As I always say, Shangrila is Shangrila. Thank God we experienced to wake up to this beautiful view. It was amazing!

We also did our maternity photoshoot. Will update soon!

Baby Coco is already 31 weeks!! Time Flies! 9 weeks to go! :)
 

Of Strollers and Pushchairs

We visited the babyfair at Takashimaya two weeks ago, but I have not bought anything yet for Baby Coco. :(  You see, I'm a first time mommy-to-be and I would not know which products are essential to buy for the baby.

I was contemplating on buying the Avent sterilizer and feeding bottles package worth S$199.00. Price before was S$ 327.60. Come to think of it, it's a very good deal! But in the end, I realized it was too early (@25 weeks then) for me to buy all these things. I just hope there are more baby fairs to come! If not, hubby would have to buy all these things by himself.

Meanwhile, we will just canvass strollers and bassinets. Here are some of the items we like.

Bugaboo Bee+ Base, SGD 1,149

Bugaboo Bee is a compact, nimble, one piece foldable pushchair. Maximum unfolded width of 52cm. Unique suspension swivel wheel system and a one piece integrated design that almost folds on its own. Quantity:

One piece, 10-position height adjustable handle bar Fully reversible and extendable seat unit 4 position tilting seat with hard shell back rest 3-position backrest 5-point harness with soft, moveable shoulder pads Height adjustable back rest Wider seat Wider chassis Machine washable fabrics 4 wheel independent suspension with foam filled rubber tyres for easy 360 degree manoeuvrability and a smooth ride over any surface A unique swivel wheel system that enables easy steering with just one hand Handle height: Adjustable from 91 - 107cm Folded size: 88 x 13 x 71cm Weight: 7.7kg Assembled size: 92 x 52 x 98cm Bugaboo is a proud supporter of (product) RED. From 1 October 2009 Bugaboo is contributing 1% of all revenues to The Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Sun canopies are sold seperately, you can purchase a second sun canopy to change the color. The price of a new sun canopy is $100. Bugaboo Bee sun canopies is available in 6 colors, red, blue, pink, yellow, black and dark khaki

Mothercare Bassinette and Travel Cot, SGD 219

Suitable from birth to 24mths (approx. 15kgs/33lbs)

Includes carry bag

Removable mattress

Quick and easy to assemble

Can also be used as a playpen

2 wheels for easy mobility

Bassinette for young babies

Changing station

Folded: L79.5 x W24 x H19cm.

Assembled: L100 x W73 x H84cm.

So many pretty things to buy for Baby Coco!!! I am so overwhelmed! But first things first, will need to buy the must-have first, then if the budget permits we will buy the nice-to-haves. :)

We're 26 weeks!

Yesterday, was my hubby's birthday. It was so much sweeter to celebrate special occasions, with our baby Coco inside my tummy. Ohhh I have decided to call her (yes, it's a girl!) Baby Coco as a nickname. Isn't it pretty?

Today marks my 26th week, 14 weeks to go! How fast time flies!

I can definitely feel her moving almost every 3-4 hours. Her constant movements, makes me gassy, but at least I know that she is ok.

As I was going through the baby center checklist, I realized there are so many things I want to do before I give birth.

1. Pre-natal massage
2. Staycation
3. Pelvic Floor Exercises
4. Learn how to cook Pregnancy food for breastfeeding
5. Maternity shoot c/o hubby
6. Gleneagles Maternity Tour
7. Shopping for Baby Coco
8. Teeth Cleaning
9. Practice breathing techniques
10. Baby Shower!

So many things to do, so little time! I wish I have more energy!

How many is too many? (Baby Books)

So far, I have three. One fertility book (I bought one month after we got married, excited much?), one week by week guide to pregnancy and the most recent one is Muddlehood : What not to expect when you are expecting.

source

The latter is a collection of short stories by Singapore-based mothers, which I find heartwarming, although some are not-so-amusing. At 23 weeks pregnant, I'm not sure if I should be reading birthing stories now since it makes me anxious. Though I'd rather be anxious than ignorant. Oh well.

Now that we are making way for Baby E in our lives, we started doing spring cleaning. Out with the old, in with the new. I have to resist the urge to buy things, that we don't really need. Books and Magazines included. I may have to skip buying Yes magazine (huhu), and just buy parenting or baby books / magazines.

It's a change I am more than willing to embrace. It's about time! :)

Is having a baby really expensive?

It sure is. But what makes it worthwhile is seeing your baby smile. (As I type this blog entry, our baby E is moving inside my tummy :)) And it will make you forget about everything. Even just for a few minutes. Then comes the hospital bills, insurance etc.

Today, I'm feeling more organized than usual. I paid the rent and organized our expenses for the next few months. It just feels so good to accomplish pending tasks. I have my dear husband to thank for teaching me how to save, and giving me the inspiration to be more organized.

When I got pregnant, "spending for yourself" always is a mental battle. I kept on thinking, instead of spending, I should just save the money for our baby. Then, another part of me would rationalize that this is the time to be spending for yourself, because once the baby comes, it'll be much harder.

Like for instance, our upcoming wedding anniversary next month. Hubby and I have been discussing, thinking, discussing and thinking again for about a week, whether or not we should push through our staycation. But we are leaning towards going for it.

I promise to save more and pray that I'll have normal delivery. 17 weeks to go!!! :)

Avocado Smoothie

Decided to search and post recipes for Avocado Smoothie that I've been craving for so early in the morning! Hope I can drink one before the day ends! Oh how fun it is to be pregnant! :)

Ingredients : (Source)

1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
1 cup milk
1.2 cup vanilla yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
8 ice cubes

Directions :

1. Combine the avocado, milk, yogurt, honey and ice cubes in a blender, blend until smooth.

Post-script (16 July 2012) : I got my avocado shake! Twice! Hubby bought for me last weekend and yesterday.

E-passport

Claimed my new e-passport yesterday, I am officially a Ferrera! :) Now, I just have to change my details on all my documents, bills, identification card and discount cards! Waaaah! Goodluck to me!

Anticipating our baby's gender

Our family is so excited to know if it's a boy or girl for us. His/her position during the last ultrasound makes it so hard to confirm the gender. He/she is in face down sleeping position, I find it so cute! Just like his/her daddy! My OB shook my tummy and his/her head moved a bit. Our baby is a sleepy head! :)

My friends have been asking me if I want a boy or girl for our firstborn. I honestly don't know. Or maybe I just don't want to have any preference. I should be equally happy if it's a boy or girl. As long as our baby is healthy.

My sister wants a boy, and I feel my dad wants a boy too as his first grandchild. He's been dreaming of the day that he can teach his apo how to play golf. My friends say, it looks like our baby is a girl, because I look happy and beautiful. Whatever that means, haha.

Hopefully, we will be able to confirm next week during the 20-week detailed scan. :)

Pregnancy Pillow

Lately, I've been having difficulty sleeping because of my baby bump. I am experiencing leg cramps and back pains because I always sleep on my left side. They say that this is the best sleeping position for the mom and baby.

I found this pillow at Mothercare Singapore website. It's called dreamgeniii pregnancy support and feeding pillow. And we bought one yesterday at Vivo City. It was divine!!! I had almost 8-hours of uninterrupted sleep!!! I love it!

It claims to encourage optimal foetal positioning which can lead to a shorter and less painful labour, encourage maximum blood flow between mother and baby, etc. Let me try it for a few more days, and see if it's really effective.

Officially changing my surname

Last Thursday, I went to Philippine Embassy in Singapore to apply for my e-passport and at the same time amend my surname to my hubby's surname. In 4 weeks, I'll be officially Mrs. Ferrera! :)

I was patiently waiting for my turn, and when they called my number, I told them that I am also changing my surname in passport. Then they told me that there was a separate procedure for amending my (green) passport particulars (Fee-S$34.00) which takes 3 days to process.

What?!?! Somehow my pregnancy hormones instantly made me feel so upset. But I tried to control my anger, and begged them to let me finish everything now because I'm pregnant. Huh! Luckily, this kind embassy officer told me to pay the cashier S$ 50.00 for expedite process. Whew! Then after that I can queue for my e-passport application.

You can find the requirements for e-passport application here and passport particulars amendment here.

If you still have the green passport and you need to amend your passport particulars and you don't have the pregnancy excuse like me, you will need to spare one more day for the passport amendment before you can apply for your e-passport. Once you have all the requirements ready, you need to submit via email to passport-appointment@philippine-embassy.org.sg for the e-passport appointment. You will receive your appointment slip in a few days.

If your appointment is @ 2pm, then it's better if you arrive around 1:30pm because once you enter the embassy the guard will give you a number. I arrived around 1:45pm and I was number 9, meaning there were 8 people (with the same appointment time) ahead of me.

Wait for your number to be called, then you will proceed to the e-passport encoding room. Remember to photocopy all the original documents like e-passport appointment slip, passport, employment pass and e-passport application form. An embassy officer will encode your particulars and take a photo for the e-passport. After that, you will be given a date to collect your passport and you will need to pay S$102.00.

The whole procedure for e-passport approximately takes 1 hour! Thank God the procedure is much more efficient now. :)

Our baby's 3rd ultrasound picture

I'm almost at my 15th week!!!

Our last ultrasound is quite exciting, we saw our baby's eyes, nose, hands and feet. My OB-gyne said he/she is waving his/her hand at us, to say hello! How cute!!! And he/she is actively moving while my OB-gyne is doing the ultrasound. What an amazing feeling!

There is a possibility that we will know our baby's gender next week during our next check-up! I honestly don't have any preference, maybe because it's our first child. Whether it's a boy or a girl, it won't matter as long as the baby is healthy.

Touching my tummy and having my quiet moments relaxes me. As soon as my hubby sees me, he lights up and kisses me and the baby. What a joy it is! Thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing. :)

Feeling much better @ 12 weeks

We're so excited to share to all of you the good news that we are gonna have a baby soon!!! :) I'm now at my 12 weeks of pregnancy, almost the end of first trimester, which they say is the hardest part of pregnancy. In my case, I did have the so-called "morning sickness" or should I say all-day sickness. It started a week before I learned I'm pregnant.

I vividly remember it was the first week of March 2012, I was delayed for a week. And my period does not normally get delayed that long. Hubby and I opted to wait for a week before taking the pregnancy test. I tested around 7am of March 11, 2012, and it turned out positive! Or "pregnant 3-weeks" as my digital pregnancy test said. High-tech na pala ngayon! :)

Hubby and I were jumping up and down, I wanted to scream because of overwhelming joy but it was too early and I don't want to wake up my neighbors. Hehehe. Instead I woke up my brother, who was still sleeping in the next room, and shared to him the good news. We were all crying out of happiness! Such a wonderful blessing! :)

We called our family, and my in-laws were very happy to have another baby in the family. My sister-in-law is pregnant too and expecting to give birth in September. Yey! I can hear my parents cry on the other end-of-the-line when I called them to share the news! My sister screamed for about a few minutes, I guess she was too happy to have her nephew / niece soon. :)

From the day I learned I was pregnant, our lives changed completely! My appetite was messed up. I could not eat anything good. I was feeling dizzy, nauseaous, headache, back pain, body pain etc. I was sick most of the time and I had to get a day-off from work almost every week because of pregnancy related discomforts. But as I said, the baby will always have to come first. :)

As I type this blog entry, it's obvious that I am feeling better and almost back to normal. Hopefully, it stays that way. I just hope and pray that we will be safe and healthy all through out. We have family and friends to support us, and we're so excited! :)

Pre-Valentines Date at Bar & Billiard Room

Admit it girls, we're always half-expecting our partners will prepare something for valentines day. Or any special occasion. It's romantic to be surprised, but don't fret if he did not. He still loves you.

Hubby is busy with work, so I gladly made plans for us. I started searching online for possible venues. Luckily, I've been following the ladyironchef on twitter and he posted lists of romantic restaurants in Singapore.

Initially, I prefer to dine at Bistro Soori, since ladyironchef considered it one of his best meals for 2011. So I was intrigued. But hubby wanted to try the Bar & Billiard Room and I'm so glad I was persuaded! I dare say that it was the best buffet we had in Singapore. :)

Bar and Billiard room exudes cozy old world charm and sophistication.

The service was impeccable! From time to time, somebody will approach our table and ask how is the food, how are we doing. And they always give you water and fold your table napkin. You'll feel really pampered!

The food was amazing! This is one buffet that is more of quality than quantity, since there is not much variety. But it's definitely delicious! My favorite was the dessert! Best Creme Brulee ever! Seriously!

Highly recommended! :)

Main Entrance

Our table arrangement

Main dishes

Pasta, Steak and Lamb

Breads and Appetizers

Seafoods and Sushi

The other side

Fountain

Raffles Hotel Facade

Complacency

This topic is not so appropriate for the love month, we should be feeling the love love love and be all positive, but I somehow am feeling uncomfortable with it already.

For almost 5 years, I've worked here in Singapore, in the same company, doing the same thing, dealing with mostly the same people. Wouldn't you be exhausted also, even if you are not so busy on a day-to-day basis?

"We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at the present."

I've tried looking for greener pastures, so to speak, but somehow fear got the best of me. What if I don't like my immediate superior? What if I get too busy with my new job, then I am too tired when I get home? What if I don't receive the same amount of bonus compared to my present job?

I've exhausted all efforts, to make sure that I don't get bored here at my present job. Sometimes I succeed, other times I'm just too tired being bored that I don't complain anymore. Five years is too long. It's the longest I've stayed in a company. Not that it's the best company I've worked in. But it's hard to change jobs here in Singapore as a foreign worker.

"A man's work is in danger of deteriorating when he thinks he has found the one best formula for doing it. If he thinks that, he is likely to feel that all he needs is merely to go on repeating himself... so long as a person is searching for better ways of doing his work, he is fairly safe."

What to do? What to do? :(

Din Tai Fung

We've eaten at this restaurant a number of times for the past (almost) 5 years that we've been in Singapore. Although there is an eternal long queue before tasting that heavenly dumpling... still, it never fails to make me wanting for more! And it even makes me forget that I ever waited for their food. :)

Our main staples :

Pork Chop Fried Rice

Spinach

Pork Dumplings

Vegetable Salad

I just wish there would be more Chinese restaurants like this in Philippines. Authentic Dumpling and Buns! YUM!!!

4 months and 17 days

It's been 4 months since our wedding. Whenever I think about that day, it makes my heart happy.

In some days, I feel I could have done better in the some aspects. Especially when I see seemingly perfect weddings, both local and international.

We may not have a flawless wedding, but we immensely enjoyed the celebration with family and friends.

Living my life with this man, makes me realize he have so much more to offer. He is passionate at work, goofy at home, and I'm so sure that he is the one God prepared for me. :)

Other times I forget that we are married. It still feels like bf-gf, ex: petty arguments and friday night dates. I guess we have not done something major that would make me feel... Yes, I'm married na nga. Maybe when I change my surname in my passport and IDs.

Which reminds me, I have to do that ASAP so we can plan our next (nth) honeymoon! :)

On the road : Malacca

Last weekend, we went to Melaka with the whole kaboodle. :)

I booked the 8:00 am bus to Melaka, so we need to be there at 7:30 am for check-in. It was a 3.5-4 hours journey from Singapore, and we arrived around 12:30 pm. We had a hard time finding the guesthouse that I booked, I guess the place is not familiar to us, or the map is not that clear.

To make the long story short, we arrived to our destination, and we are pleasantly surprised that the place is very clean and beautiful. We had the whole house to ourselves! We rented a total of 4 rooms (2 double, 1 twin, 1 single) plus we can use the 2 bathrooms, living room, and fridge.

The owner, Mr. Colin Chan is very nice and helpful. He even printed a map as a guide for us.

Double room

Melaka is beautiful, but very very humid. We were very tired due to the long distance walking, even more so because we were doing it under the scorching sun. Worse, I did not apply sunblock! Gaaaa!

Inspite of this, I can confidently say that I'd like to come back to Melaka because of this... Foooood!!



Chendol

Chicken Rice

 

Rice Balls

Laksa

Chicken Rendang





Melaka Street foods

For our next adventure, I'd like to go to Langkawi or Krabi! :)

Christmas Partey

At Shiraz Clarke Quay with Hubby, Kuya, Karen, Sheila, Alvin and my godson tamtam - 3 December 2011


Belly Dancer during dinner

Colorful lamp above our table



 

Darya Kebab

Not shown is Caspian Kebab, Platter for 2, and lamb stew. The food is delicious but it was too overwhelming for my liking. Then we proceeded to starbucks for gift-grabbing.

At Bullion Park with Hubby, Kuya, Karen, Elsie, Mark, Ash, Jayson, Che, Doods, Ashley, Chelsea, Cherry, Neren, Grace, Bernard and Gwen. - 10 December 2011

Class Picture

Still unable to upload the food pictures because it's still in my hubby's camera. :) Hope you had fun during the holidays as much as we did!