greetings!

Today is the end of Ramadan. People here has started to greet everyone a Happy Eid. Some maybe are going out of town to celebrate the holidays and some maybe will just stay here and make the most to have fun.

I found this serene greeting card and this goes out to all our Muslim brothers in the world, with love from our family.

weekend snapshot # 20

The first day of the weekend was spent cleaning the house. We left our eight-month-old Andreas inside his playpen. Here he is busy flipping (and wrestling (*_*)) with his favorite board book. We buy him the basic toys and Barney videos but we do spend more on baby books. We think it is an inexpensive way of keeping our son entertained and encourage his interest on reading.

Oh yes, we purposely bought him big board books because he ends up chewing the smaller ones.

A blessed Sunday to all my visitors! Thank you so much for dropping by and for your comments. It will be my turn to blogwalk later. Have a great week ahead!

humor time!

It's Started

A man comes home from an exhausting day at work, plops down on the couch in front of the television, and tells his wife, “Get me a beer before it starts.”

The wife sighs and gets him a beer.

Fifteen minutes later, he says, “Get me another beer before it
starts.”

She looks cross, but fetches another beer and slams it down next to him.

He finishes that beer and a few minutes later says, “Quick, get me another beer, it’s going to start any minute.”

The wife is furious. She yells at him,

“Is that all you’re going to do tonight? Drink beer and sit in front of that TV? You’re nothing but a lazy, drunken, fat slob and furthermore . . .”

The man sighs and says, “It’s started.”

wonderful women!

If you kiss her, you are not a gentleman
If you don’t, you are not a man

If you praise her, she thinks you are lying
If you don’t, you are good for nothing

If you agree to all her likes, you are a wimp
If you don’t, you are not understanding

If you visit her often,she thinks it is boring
If you don’t , she accuses you of double-crossing

If you are well dressed, she says you are a playboy
If you don’t , you are a dull boy

If you are jealous, she says it’s bad
If you don’t, she thinks you do not love her

If you attempt a romance, she says you didn’t respect her
If you don’t, she thinks you do not like her

If you are a minute late, she complains it’s hard to wait
If she is late, she says that’s a girl’s way

If you visit another man, you’re not putting in “quality time”
If she is visited by another woman, “Oh it’s natural, we are girls”

If you kiss her once in a while, she professes you are cold
If you kiss her often, she yells that you are taking advantage

If you stare at another woman, she accuses you of flirting
If she is stared by other men, she says that they a just admiring

If you talk, she wants you to listen
If you listen, she wants you to talk

In short:
So simple, yet so complex
So weak, yet so powerful
So confusing, yet so desirable
So damning, yet so wonderful……….WOMEN!……..

Thank you to hubby for sharing this. Now some things are clearer haha.

#$%^ of the day

baby menu

I am bracing myself for a new set of foods for Andreas now that his teeth are coming out. But before we go further than green leaves and chicken, i want to post what i have been feeding my little prince for the past three months. It is more simple than what others think. Yes, like any first time Mom, i even thought of buying a baby book recipe just to make sure i am giving him proper nourishment but i decided to listen to my instinct and take cues from hubby's healthy eating habits.

Andreas' Weekly Menu

Saturday

Breakfast: fresh vegetable soup (potato, carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, bell pepper, lemon juice)
Beverage: water
Lunch: rice and minced chicken, peach for dessert
Beverage: water
Dinner: Fruits & Wheat Cerelac, papaya for dessert
Beverage: Promil

Sunday

Breakfast: bread and yoghurt
Beverage: Promil
Lunch: Banana
Beverage: Promil
Dinner: Milupa Vegetable Mix Cereal, grapes for dessert
Beverage: Promil

Monday

Breakfast: Pancake & cheese
Beverage: Promil
Lunch: Milupa Rice & Orange Cereal, Cerelac teething rusk for dessert
Beverage: Promil
Dinner: Rice & ginisang monggo, kiwi fruit for dessert
Beverage: water

Tuesday

Breakfast: Milupa Forest Fruits & yoghurt
Beverage: Promil
Lunch: Banana and Cerelac teething rusk
Beverage: Promil
Dinner: Rice and tofu, peach for dessert
Beverage: water

Wednesday

Breakfast: Bread & cheese
Beverage: Promil
Lunch: Fruit & Wheat Cerelac, chopped apple for dessert
Beverage: Promil
Dinner: Rice, sinigang broth, and kangkong leaves
Beverage: water

Thursday

Breakfast: Milupa Vegetable Cereal & yoghurt
Beverage: Promil
Lunch: Chicken sopas, Cerelac teething rusk for dessert
Beverage: Promil
Dinner: Rice & fish, papaya for dessert
Beverage: water

Friday

Breakfast: Pancake & cheese
Beverage: Promil
Lunch: Rice & boiled spinach, grapes for dessert
Beverage: Promil
Dinner: boiled potato and carrots, rock melon for dessert
Beverage: Promil

Saturday

Breakfast: Fruits & Wheat cerelac, chopped broccoli
Beverage: Promil
Lunch: Rice, beef broth, chopped cabbage, sliced avocado for dessert
Beverage: water
Dinner: Rice & shrimp, kiwi fruit for dessert
Beverage: water

Andreas actually prefers Similac but i give him Promil to drink from his cup during meal times. This way, he does not get tired of the same milk over and over. Some mothers too have their babies drink water every after bottle feeding but i don't. I only give water to Andreas when his solid food does not go well with milk.

I read too, that babies come with a clean slate of taste buds. So that we try to serve fresh fruits and vegetables on their own. No butter, salt, or sugar or milk added. We want Andreas enjoy melon or avocado in its own simple way.

tooth fairy visiting

So we reach another milestone this week. After months of drooling and chewing everything he can grab, Andreas' first tooth has come out. See the tiny white crown on his lower gums....

oh it's a beautiful thing!

Hubby and i are celebrating today our three years as sweethearts (naks!). Hahaha, i don't know but i guess we celebrate it more than our wedding day. We started from a long distance relationship and maybe because we had it for real, we stick out to each other until the day he can come home and bring a wedding band. He was working back then in Saudi Arabia and i was at home in the Philippines.



Anyway, before we conceived Andreas, Ceasar sang this song for me after the wake of my mother-in-law in Kiangan, Ifugao. He is not so much into to public display of affection, so i was surprised he treated me to a song with his guitar in front of a small crowd.

What made it more memorable was i never told anybody i love this song and that this is the sound track of my all time favorite romantic movie, The Notebook. Watch the movie soundtrack here:



Thank you, honey, for always remembering and for being such a devoted father to Andreas. I love you. I love you.

weekend snapshot # 19

Our weekend was spent viewing the exhibit called Ramadan Reflections. Because the city is largely composed of expatriates, the local government take this chance to display some traditional artefacts. This way, we expats learn about the Emirati culture.

Before the discovery of oil, or the massive of construction of man-made islands, Dubai used to be the world's largest supplier of oriental (salt water) pearls. In the 1940's and 1950's, the government relied solely on the pearl divers to maintain the economy.

Oyster shells

A pearl diver's instrument

The traditional pearl scale

This is the Mercato shopping mall where the exhibit was held.

Thank you so much everyone for your visit! I will be bloghopping later. Happy Sunday and have a wonderful week ahead!

por taggie

I snagged this while blog walking. I should feel sleppy after answering because it's 1:30 am

1. Four places I go to, over and over:
* Carrefour, Spinneys, LuLu & Al Maya for groceries
* Belhoul European Hospital because of Andreas' vaccines
* Jumeirah Open beach
* lahat ng shopping malls!!

2. Four people who e-mail me regularly:
* Hubby
* Ramele
* pinkihan yahoo group
* Babycenter

3. Four of my favorite places to eat:
* Noodle Bowl Cantonese Restaurant
* Ichiban Japanese Cuisine
* Food court sa Mall of Emirates
* Jabal Al Noor (you must try their lamb chops and biryani)

4. Four things i can't live without:
* moisturizer
* stretch mark remover
* laptop (because of my blog)
* fragrant bubble bath

5. Four things you will do tomorrow:
* sleep, boy i need lots
* food binge and bubble bath
* go to the beach for some fresh air
* search for new recipes to try

humor time!

Hubby shared this e-mail to me and i am posting it so we can all have a good laugh.

Airplane vs Women

16 reasons why airplanes are easier to live with than women

1. Airplanes usually kill you quickly - a woman takes her time.
2. Airplanes can be turned on by a flick of a switch.
3. Airplanes don't get mad if you do a 'touch and go.'
4. Airplanes don't object to a preflight inspection.
5. Airplanes come with manuals to explain their operation.
6. Airplanes have strict weight and balance limitations.
7. Airplanes can be flown any time of the month.
8. Airplanes don't come with in-laws.
9. Airplanes don't care about how many other airplanes you've flown before.
10. Airplanes and pilots both arrive at the same time.
11. Airplanes don't mind if you look at other airplanes.
12. Airplanes don't mind if you buy airplane magazines.
13. Airplanes expect to be tied down.
14. Airplanes don't comment on your piloting skills.
15. Airplanes don't whine unless something is really wrong.
16. However, when airplanes go quiet, just like women, it's usually not good.

#$%^ of the day

tiny first steps

Office hours during Ramadan is shortened so hubby is able to come home around 4pm. We have snacks and early dinner then we drive around the city, much to Andreas' delight. Next, we bring him to Al Ghazal or to any shopping mall not frequented by people so we can read and have him practice his walk. Yeah, these days, he refuses to be carried. He walks, and walks tirelessly so hubby and i take turns helping him with those tiny first strides. Have a look..

first tooth coming up!

Oooh i will miss that toothless smile...

I can see now the crown of Andreas' first tooth. I've been looking forward to this day but now i feel a little sad. He is growing up so fast!

This maybe is the last pic of Andreas completely devoid of teeth.

loved-up Thursday

Aaarggh, i cannot sleep. I guess i had too much chocolate from the anniversary dinner we attended hihi. I was served a huge slice of chocolate mousse cake and it was soo heavenly i consumed it all. Now i am all perked up, nirvana won't come. Andreas is asleep now after i hummed an Ivatan song. It was the first time i did such and i figured i should sing to him that song more often. Heck it would be a shame if we bring him to Batanes and he doesn't know any Ivatan word.

Anyway, since today's main event was an invitation to our friends' six years of marriage, i decided to post the Ivatan lovesong i hummed to Andreas just before he fell asleep. The song talks about a lover's feeling, fearing somebody better will come along, and pleading to that special person not to leave no matter.

Asa kahep a mahanebneb
Du kariyal nu vuhan
Manalasal u apon
Du huvuk nu kamuhamuhan

Tawul ko nikandaduan
Pinuspusan mo iwangan
Makayamot du avid mo
Abu su kapalit

Makavuya ka panti
Su maypavid pa kan yaken
Karwan mo ava yaken
Du huvuk nu pandediwan

Posh frock line

I adore David Beckham because she married Victoria. I don't think any other surname name will go well with Posh's haha.

Anyway, aside from VB's new rut cut, she is also making headlines due to the release of her new clothes line. Hubby and i checked out all the 20 pieces and boy they were all gorgeous. They were very sexy yet intelligent looking. Very proper. Nothing see-through or cleavage peeking, that hubby commented she can well design for Arab women hihi.

And if i were to pick not one but two (being the frock addict I am) from the 20 pieces, these ones i like.

"One should never be afraid of ending up on worst dressed lists, or be concerned to appear on the best. When it comes to fashion there is nothing worse than bland politeness".

- Victoria Adams Beckham

V darling, you are my ultimate fashionista. Bravaaaaa!!

tomboy again

I got a new haircut. It's pixie short and i love it hihi.

My Grandma will sure be horrified but i've always secretly enjoyed looking like a boy hihi.

and this goes to....

What a lovely Monday! Take a look at my award from new blogger friend, Joanne.

Thank you so much, dear! It is really fun to meet new friends. They make life more interesting.

My turn now to brighten other people's day and pass this cutie according to the rules.

1. The winner may put the logo on his or her blog.

2. Put a link to the person you got the award from.

3. Nominate 5 blogs.

4. Put links to the blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.

I am giving this award to the blogs i follow: Kayni, Artemis, Clark & Butchay, & Jean Chia aka Ms. Yummy-licious. Have a great week ahead, ladies!

weekend snapshot #18

The temperature has dropped and a night stroll after weekend supper is possible these days. Have a look at the scenery we passed by the other night.

Promenade Walk, Dubai Festival City

Happy Sunday everyone! I am excited to see your WS entries too. Have a great week ahead!

i am so spoiled

Where in the world will you find a husband who asks you to go shoe shopping?

I got these eye candies from last night's shoe shopping. They wiil be perfect for my dresses, skirts, and shorts when running after Andreas.

Thank you so much, Darling. I love you. I love you. Mwaaaah!!

Andreas updates

I have now completely stopped breastfeeding Andre. For three days now, he's been sucking contentedly on his feeding bottles. Thank goodness for Similac because it made weaning faster. Though i vowed to breastfeed Andreas for as long as i can, he sometimes bite my nipple so hard i cry out. He has no tooth yet but his gums chew pretty strong. I miss having him close to my chest but I know he is ready to move on to solids and follow-on milk.

Here are his activities at 8-months, 2 weeks.
1. He likes playing with balls and balloons.
2. He is now bored with his old toys (rattles and stuffed). He prefers the empty 5 gallon of water and empty milk cans.
3. He has a certain fondness for his stuffed bulldog. I don't know, it looks mean but Andre makes him smile haha.
4. He still watches Barney videos and adores BJ.
5. He likes to watch his alphabet video too along with videos of shapes and colors.
6. He likes playing with the velcro strap of his sneakers.
7. His clothes size are now of 12 months
8. His shoe size is 2.
9. He has more patience now with his toys. He learned how to push his big truck.
10. He enjoys the details of his wooden play cube.
11. He still looks at Mom like she is the most beautiful.
12. He likes I love you and Raindrops songs.
13. He will let you guide him on actions of I have two hands.
14. Drinking Similac Gain Advance on bottle.
15. Sips Promil on his cup.
16. He likes bread and pancakes for breakfast.
17. He enjoys chewing on chunky vegetables.
18. He adores Daddy so much!!!
19. When he sees somebody eating, he has to have a taste of the food too.

20. He loves the beach!!!

Now Mommy can follow a strict diet to lose weight hihi.

faithfully

Haha. Now i don't know what to write with that title post.

Anyway, my darling Ceasar came home from work one afternoon and told me about a band called Journey. They have a new vocalist and is a Filipino named Arnel Pineda. He asked me to look it up on the internet and Youtube. I said yes but then forgot all about it hihi. It's the first time i heard of that band so i was not really interested. Weeks went by and he reminded me about Journey again. I felt guilty and admitted i forgot about it.

This afternoon, he came home early because it is Ramadan, so he was able to go online. He searched about Arnel Pineda and the Journey and boy, oh boy we had a blast watching them on Youtube!! We were both oozing with pride as we watched Pineda belt out "Faithfully" and "Open Arms." Gosh, i knew those ballads. I just didn't know it was the band Journey hihi. They have a new album released mid 2008 called Revelation and we both decided we are going to buy the album.

I am posting here one of the songs included in Journey's new album. Hubby and I both enjoyed the simple MTV so we share this with you.

beacuse it is back to school..

"The difference between school and life? In school, you are taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you are given a test that teaches you a lesson."

~Tom Bodett

let's talk bEd

What Your Bed Says About You

Outward appearances are very important to you. You do your best to look good and have an attractive home. You are an organized and disciplined person. You do the right thing because you want to, not because people expect you to. You are not very high maintenance in general, but you are high maintenance about a few things. In relationships, you tend to kick back and let the other person be in charge. You tend to be a dreamy, head in the clouds type of person. You think in terms of possibilities. You are a total homebody. You are happiest when you're at home.

What Does Your Bed Say About You?

McDo Party

I'm a certified McDo gurl (yeah, darling. i love that smile) so when Andreas received a McDo birthday invitation from our new family friend, i did not think twice accepting it. Mommy Cherry and i just met online and exchange a few e-mails regarding christening celebrations so it was going to be the first time for us to meet. And oh they were wonderful! Thank, thank you so much. We all had a great time.

As promised, I am posting some snapshots i took from the Friday celebration. Check them out.

The celebrant Gwen Gabriela, is lovely in her fairy gown.
The proud parents are Bill and Cherry.

I really enjoyed the cupcakes. In fact I am addicted to them now haha.

My two boys and Berger.

Andreas gives his greetings by squealing in delight.

My little boy at home enjoying the birthday giveaways.

Now where can i get cupcakes here?