Emergency

Saturday was not just an ordinary day...as I thought it would be. Not what has been planned. Originally, it was a scheduled celebration of my father's birthday. But eventually, something went wrong come afternoon, which made us rushed Jaden to the hospital.

The people in the house didn't inform me that something's wrong with my baby's bm the day before. I just noticed it that Saturday. She seem to have lost weight... I changed her diaper 9 times and from there I knew she's unwell. I went on panic. In times like this, I can only rely with her pedia… but alas, she's out of the country.

I count it a blessing that the company where I worked gave us HMO benefits which is extended to family members. We didn't have to slice a part of our savings which we mean to use for her birthday party.. The budget was still intack. So, we were able to take her to a decent hospital --where my sister used to work-- and also got a pedia (my sister's friend) who coincidentally, a best friend of my baby's pediatrician.

To cut the story short, Jaden stayed in the hospital for three days and two nights as she needs to be rehydrated thru an IV since she's not taking enough milk and water. The baby really seem to withstand the pain. She's still up and mobile albeit connected to an IV which limits her movements. It was good that she was not immensely dehydrated.

I even went on a day leave to look after her..that's what mothers should do right? And I'll willingly do it again and again..to be with her and take care of her. It was a blessing that I didn't join the company's summer outing. I may have not taken care of Jaden and perhaps remorse on a guilty feeling if I was there, enjoying.

Well, God is really good...and I am thankful.

(clockwise:) sound asleep, connected to an IV, sleepy dad, still cheerful

God Knows Best

Our Father knows what's best for us,

So why should we complain ...

We always want the sunshine,

But He knows there must be rain.

We love the sound of laughter

And the merriment of cheer;

But our hearts would lose their tenderness

If we never shed a tear.

Our Father tests us often

With suffering and with sorrow;

He tests us, not to punish us,

But to help us meet "tomorrow."

For growing trees are strengthened

When they withstand the storm;

And the sharp cut of the chisel

Gives the marble grace and form.

God never hurts us needlessly,

And He never wastes our pain;

For every loss He sends to us

Is followed by rich gain.

And when we count the blessings

That God has so freely sent;

We will find no cause for murmuring

And no time to lament.

For Our Father loves His children,

And to Him all things are plain;

So He never sends us "pleasure"

When the "soul's deep need is pain."

So whenever we are troubled,

And when everything goes wrong,

It is just God working in us

To make "our spirits strong."

by: Helen Steiner Rice

Kapamilya

I just got back from a lunch meeting…actually I was not one of the important attendees. I just accompanied my boss. I guess that's what I am. A mere executive assistant…:P (the reason why, shifting of career crosses my mind at times. The yearning for a more challenging job is there... I guess I'm just not completely satisfied with what I am doing…routines that is…I'm starting to feel it menial...but that's yet another story which I'll post sometime…)... Actually my boss was choosing between me and my colleague to accompany him (as if we're that excited to see the lady huh!). He even sent a message last night asking us who will come with him. I didn't respond since honestly, I am not so up for it. But come this morning my colleague was on leave so I had no choice but to be there (*sigh*).

Well, as I was saying. I attended a lunch meeting with Rotarians. And they've invited Ms. Charo Santos-Concio of ABS-CBN to be their guest speaker. Actually my boss was the one who was able to get Ms. Concio to speak. That's what we call "connections". Being the president of one of the Lopez Group of Companies, it was a no brainer. It was my first time to hear for myself Ms. Charo to speak and I was glad that I came. Her poignant speech gave new light to us and a different concept of what ABS-CBN is. I am not here to tout ABS, it's not this post's intention. But honestly, I'm a true-blue "kapamilya". Even on my childhood, I've loved Channel 2 and its programs. And even if the competition between 2 and 7 goes neck-to-neck, or even if the latter is parading their ratings, I don't care. I'd still go for “Dos”.

Upon hearing her message, I now appreciate ABS-CBN more. And I appreciated Ms. Charo even more. She's a little reserved but she speaks well. She was able to clearly expressed the heart and soul of the organization through her personal experiences and how the organization as a whole positively affects the lives of Filipinos here and abroad. Before, I thought what was she doing in the network?… she's just an actress as far as I know. But then, on top of everything, my experience today proved me wrong. She's got not just beauty but brains. You should see her credentials and her career path…I guess you might utter a real big "Whoa!". She's an amazing woman. She's not just the icon we usually see every Friday narrating a story of someone on her program. She's the "soul" of ABS-CBN.

Ruminations

Arrgh! I don't know what's with blogger. I was able to do my banner but I can't figure out how to put it in the center... so don't ask why it's like that... (lolz!)

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My daughter is turning one 2 months from now...haaay.. she's really growing fast. Problem is, due to my hospitalization two months ago, our budget for her birthday party was affected...and so we'll go to plan B instead -- a party at either Jollibee or McDonalds . But no matter. I'll just make sure that it's going to be wonderful! :D

Reminds me to start the planning.....

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We're planning to spend the long vacation in Baler. I wonder if the plan's pushing through.. hubby and I are not talking since yesterday. Nagtatampo ako talaga.. I wish sometimes he's the one who'll make the first move. But then again, COMPROMISE is still is the answer to this.

....Yayain ko kaya manood ng movie :D.. It's been months na rin that we're not going out.

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what a day..... and yes...I'm guilty...errr...


....of pretending to be working! (lolz!)...

Slum Book

I'm an avid reader of Wifespeaks. And this week they're celebrating their 2nd anniversarry. If you want to know more about them, click here. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading.

And here's mine for the Reader's Slumbook: I enjoyed this! :D

THE BASICS:
1. What is your (screen) name, and why did you choose that as your screen name?
:: Mhay – (with the "h") nothing special.. I just want to have a single syllable screen name. Eh nung highschool nauso yung nilalagyan ng "h"and nick names kaya..yan na siya. :P
:: My parents used to call me Ma-ye.

2. How long have you been married? Have kids?
:: Married for 1 year and 8 months na on Friday! We have a daughter who's turning one on May

3. What is your favorite color? And how has your color preference influenced your life (if it has)?
:: Earth colors and blue. Most of my things shows my fave colors.

4. What are your hobbies?
:: Reading, blogging, surfing, digiscrap and cooking :D

5. What is your motto in life?
:: God has His purpose for every thing

6. Do you have pets?
:: wala..bawal sa compound eh.

7. What are the three adjectives that best describe your spouse?
:: Responsible. Kind. Faithful. (naks!)

8. Give three songs that best describe you.
:: isipin ko muna..hirap sagutin e

9. What satisfies you about the work that you do?
:: I can make use of the talents I got

10. Do you blog? Where? Can we visit?
:: Yes. Here

CHIKAHAN:
1. Define Love.
:: Love moves in mysterious ways.

2. Kakaibang talento mo.
:: I can sing :P I can also cook. Sometimes kahit "pa-cham" (pa chamba-chamba) masarap naman daw sabi ng hubby.

3. Share your adobo recipe.
:: My Version:
Put chicken in a sauce pan mix the soysauce, vinegar, pepper and bayleaf. Boil for 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Separate chicken from the sauce. Fry until crisp. In a pan sauté garlic and onion in butter, add the adobo sauce. Mix the fried chicken. Season to taste.

4. Describe your current screensaver/wallpaper.
:: its a digiscrap desktop wall paper from shabby princess with photos of my hubby and baby. No screen saver.

5. During your teenage years, what fad/s did you follow? Why?
:: Teased bangs with aqua net. Acid washed mini skirts and jeans (baduy!)

6. How many times have you had a broken heart? Which was the worst and how did you recover from it?
:: Twice sa isang guy and that's the worst ever! I recovered thru fervent prayer and with hubby’s help.. friend ko kasi siya before, he helped me during those times..

7. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
:: The power to grant wishes.

8. What frightens you about getting old?
:: Having Alzheimer’s..

9. Do you have a guilty pleasure?
:: Watching Teleseryes…

10. What's your favorite chore?
:: Mas enjoy ko maglinis at mag ayos ng house. Madami ako nadidiscover and naalala. :P.... and of course cooking.

11. Describe your wedding ring.
:: It's just a simple gold band with white gold around it na may crisscross design engraved with our names and wedding date

12. If you could have a tattoo, what would it look like?
:: I hate tattoos.

13. What book would you like to be made into a movie? Who would you like to star in it?
:: hmm...maybe Danielle Steel's Silent Honor. wala ako maisip kung sino eh siguro ako na lang! :D (surreal!)

14. Share something that you do not believe in.
:: I don't believe in superstitions… and ghost.

15. What qualities are important to you in friendship?
:: Loyalty. Humor. Honesty. Time. Discretion.

16. So far, what WS topic have you found most helpful? Most entertaining? Most controversial?
:: Everything. From the topic discussions to the tips.

QUALIFIED TRUE OR FALSE:
1. First love never dies.
:: False. The feeling dies but the memory remains.

2. You can change your partner once you're married.
:: False. Here's one to marriage. You should accept your partner for who he/she is. Maybe you can change some vices but not the character. Only God can change a person.

3. The Philippines is worth it.
:: True. Nasa mentality lang kasi ng mga pinoy na hopeless na ang 'pinas. Let's love our country. Wala ng magmamahal pa sa ating bansa kung hindi tayong mga pinoy...

4. Women are moodier than men.
:: False. Napatunayan ko yan sa asawa ko. Soooo moody!

5. James Yap is innocent (Sorry Kris!).
:: I don't know and I don't care.

6. 80s fashion is coming back.
:: True. You can see stripes, bangs, and leggings everywhere!

7. Angels.
:: True. It's in the bible.

8. Good and bad luck come in threes.
:: False. Honestly I don't believe in "luck".

9. Destiny.
:: True.

10. It is better to have love and lost, than never to have loved at all.
:: True.

TIPS:
1. What is you favorite skin care product?
:: Nothing in particular. Just eat a well-balanced diet, drink more water, sleep well.

2. What do you do to keep fit?
:: Nothing din. I just take the stairs of the building going to our office everyday…I think fit naman ako. :P

3. Where do you do your bargain shopping?
:: Bazzars, Greenhills and Divi

4. Recommend an effective household cleaning item.
:: Mr. Muscle and Zim cleanser.

5. Sex.
:: A precious gift from God to married couples ONLY.

Realistic Photo

I am so anxious to learn the new technique in making realistic photos. You see I'm just a quiet digiscrapper but I also wanted to learn the newest trend. :D

I came across shabby princess' blog and saw this amazing pictures and LO. I was browsing the net and the frames are for sale and costs $! I'm a person who'd rather think twice before buying online (maybe it's better if I can get them for free!). So I didn't stop until I learn how she did it. I am a selflearner.

Finally, I came across this site and I learned fast!

The image below is my first attempt....I know it's not that perfect but I also know that I can make it the way it should be. I'll just give my self time to practice more. LOL!

Two things

...that I am enjoying and still learning now... Having a child and being a mom.

The feeling of being a mom to my daughter is really priceless. It just saddens me that I can't be with her the whole day. It's hard to be a working mom. Sometimes, I envy my mom or my daughter's nanny because they are the one who can witness Jaden's milestones and developments. I wasn't there when she did her first crawl neither did I hear her utter her first word. I wasn't there. Sad. But I want my baby to become a better person when she grows up. I want her to become smart and a person of good character. There are so many things I want to do with her. I want to teach her baby signs, listen to nursery rhymes and baby songs together, read books or play together. These things almost made me think...sometimes, of resigning just to take care of her and be with her everyday, 24/7...But I know that would be impracticable. I still need to work.

Like most babies of her age, Jaden is clingy right now. Good thing that though we just spend time together during week-ends, she still knows that I'm her mom. :P And I love her for that! She is so attached to me nowadays and prefers me over anybody else…even over her dad. This is exaggerating but I think she can easily recognize even my shadow or my footsteps. I really love my daughter. Who wouldn't love this cute little angel? I think most mothers will say that. And I would not let anyone hurt her in any way.

Two weeks ago we hired a nanny to take care of Jaden. We are not leaving her anymore at mom's house since we thought that maybe mom is already exhausted taking care of her grand children and I don't want Jaden to add up to her stress. Mom is not getting any younger. There was a time last week that I was at work and my mom called me. She reported to me that Jaden's nanny left her alone in the house. She went to my sister's house. My mom was there that's why she freaked out upon seeing the nanny coming there alone. Nanny's alibi is that she needs to look for baby's shoes that she thought was left during the day they went to have her vaccine. Good heavens! Is that reason enough to leave the baby alone in the house?? I got irritated my self upon hearing this. I can't wait to go home and spank her :D. I told Jerry about it. He wants me to reprimand the nanny and show her how angry we are for what she did...Later that day, I confronted the nanny and told her that what she did was wrong. I wasn't able to yell at her though I really wanted to for her to know how angry I am. But I was able to composed my self. Jerry on the other hand, didn't want the way I did. Actually we had a little argument because of that. I was just thankful that nothing bad happened to my daughter. If there is, I might not be able to forgive her.

I also learned that having a child tests our patience. Really. From the day she was born to present. It's a continuous test of patience for parents like us. Patience to her and to the people taking care of her. Like two nights ago, Jerry and I had a little tampuhan because of this. I just noticed lately that Jerry is quite impatient with regards to taking care of our baby. I don't want to sound different here towards him. I just noticed that maybe because he is also stressed out from work, or maybe because moms and dads are really different…. Hmmm. I'm not quite sure, but I think so.

This is what happened. I don't know why but Jaden became irritated that day. She pooped 5 times but it was not watery so I thought it's okay though its not normal. I sent message to her pedia but I didn't got a reply from her. I just cleaned her every time she poop and rub drapolene on her rashes. I know she is really uncomfortable with the redness and rashes. I was not feeling better my self that night that's why I asked him to take care of the baby. I was surprised when I heard Jaden crying at 12 midnight and saw him impatiently shaking the baby to sleep. Jaden was really crying hard. Out of irritation maybe, he quickly dropped her to the crib, immediately went to bed and just let her cry. Even though I am not feeling well, I picked her up, wiped cream on her rashes and lulled her to sleep. She stop crying and she slept soundly the whole night. I just can't understand why he did that to her. Didn't he understand that she was irritated because she feels pain? Is it because he doesn't have a motherly instinct like me? I got really furious of what he did that's why I completely ignored him the next day. It was later resolved when I told him how I felt and he said sorry. He also promised me that he'll never ever do that again.I could sense that he is really sorry. When we arrived from work, he immediately hugged Jaden and kissed her and kept on repeating the word "sorry" to her. I know Jaden didn't understand why her dad was doing that. She just responded with gigles and happy squeals. Well, It was noted and I will surely see to it that it won't happen again.

I just realized, sometimes it's also hard to be a good boss, a wife, and a mother at the same time in cases like these. I'm just thankful that God is in the midst of our family. We can control our emotions and be still inlove at each other again and again.

Jaden

Jaden turned 9 months last March 2. At this age, she became more active and mobile. This is Jaden's latest pics showing her latest antics... She's becoming a smart girl! She's crawling around and wants to walk around. We just allow her so that she can explore more and develop her senses more.

Anyways, noticed the picture at the upper right corner? She seem to show some attitude huh? :D.. I hope she won't grow up a snob. I wouldn't want her to be one. I want her to be friendly. Like her parents! :D

Team Building

Last Friday, I attended a Team-Building at Angel's Hills Tagaytay composed of tenants of the building where we hold our office. At first, I was hesitant to join since I didn’t personally know those who will attend. Each company has two representatives and honestly, though we are under one umbrella, The Lopez Group of Companies, I don’t know everybody in the building.

When we met that morning my co-employee is asking me what he’s going to do there since he didn’t have any idea what Team-building is.

"Team building"(or "'teambuilding'") refers to the process of establishing and developing a greater sense of collaboration and trust between team members. Interactive exercises, team assessments, and group discussions enable groups to cultivate this greater sense of teamwork. (lifted from wikepedia)

I think the building administration is really eager to have harmonious relationships between tenants so that in case of emergency there will be strong cooperation and “bayanihan” spirit among us.

We had fun. Aside from the new perspectives I got, I also met new friends. Those that I usually see during lunch time at the building’s canteen. I finally know them not only by face but I now know their names..:D

during one of the team-building games

outside our room