Happy Birthday TYN!

It is my sister Tyn's special day today!

She is not only my sister but my best friend as well! The 2 of us have been through a lot together, from silly cat fights to over the moon euphoria! She is one of the few people who reads me well and knows me from head to foot, inside out.

She has been with us like forever! B treats her like a part of our small family, because she has been with us almost at wherever we went. The Husband is closer to Tyn than Sheila, for she's the one who had spent time with us longer.

We still miss her from time to time, but we're glad she is happy and settled at her job. She's always busy and would sometimes go home late when we were there. So being the eldest, I nag her to get off work early! My bad! LOL!

Anyways, this is another occasion I won't be able to celebrate with the rest of the family. Sigh . . .

Happy, Happy Birthday TYN! Here's wishing that your happiness will be as wonderful as the happiness you have always given me and my family! Good luck with everything that you do and I believe you very well know that we will always and always be here for you. A simple Thank You is not enough to let you know how grateful we are for what you have done and selflessly shared with us. God bless and we love you . . . a lot!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

The Husband Is Coming Home Too!

After a month of being apart, B is coming back here next week from Morocco. He got so lonely up there without us. My poor Hubby!

But one of the main reason of him leaving there is that his Dad is not doing good. His condition is really deteriorating, especially 2 weeks ago. The Husband don't want to regret not being by his father's side if and when Pop's state turn for the worst.

I visited my brother-in-law the other day to give our pasalubongs to Kaiden's cousins, and asked about Pop. He said Pop's condition from last week is contrary to what he is lately. He still have pneumonia but can now drink, his diabetes is stable and the rest of his illnesses seems to be on the mend. That's good news!

I wanted to visit him but I'm afraid to drive that far alone. B said to just wait for him and we'll go together. I got Pop a Manila shirt. He loves those Philippine-inspired shirts I have given him that's why I always get one whenever we go back home to the Philippines. His favorite was the one with a jeepney in it. It feels great how he wears them with pride. He said he cannot travel anymore and go back to Manila again, but he can still wear one!

I do hope and pray Pop will still be able to live longer. I want the Little One to grow up having his Poppy around. We have been in and out of Australia since Kaiden was born and just go home for holidays; mostly just a month's time. So our Son did not get to really bond with his Poppy, unlike his cousins who are growing up with him. But I must say that those 2 (Kaiden and Pop) always have fun whenever they are together. Pop tries his best to keep up with our tireless Little Boy! Even when he was hospitalized, he entertains Kaiden with things around his room; like his hospital bed, light, and even when his new pacemaker was put in. He was teasing him that he will be coming with us to the Philippines with an oxygen tank in tow!

Talking about my Father-in-Law makes me miss him. I somehow got used to visiting him everyday in the hospital. And I know for sure having us there do brighten up his day.

Anyways, I am really glad that B is coming home. Kaiden and I will only be alone for a week. I will be turning the lights on overnight just in that time. As I have mentioned before, my silly imagination runs wild as soon as the sun sets in and darkness envelopes the house. I keep most of the lights on, same with the radio all night. I just want to hear some noise rather than complete silence or just the air con. I know you might say that I'm too old for that crap, but I get spooked easily!

That's all. Just want to end this post on a lighter note.

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

Back From PH Heat To AU Winter

It is cold down here in Australia! Bloody freezing! I'm glad it doesn't snow here, just a sporadic appearance of frost every now and then. But still, it's cold!

Having been in the comfort of Manila's sweltering condition (and occasional rain) for almost a month, is quite a change to come back to a biting weather we have now in Brisbane. Brrr!

I know I will always be a simple tropical kind of girl!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

Kaiden's Manila-made Hair Cut

Everytime we come over to the Philippines for a holiday, the Little One never leaves without having his locks done at Kids Hair Salon over at the 4th Level of Rustan's. He loves the atmosphere there and at the same time, he know that toys are just outside the door, same with the play area.

I forgot the name of the guy who usually cut Kaiden's hair. Unfortunately he wasn't there last Wednesday, so it was a different one who did his hair. Nevertheless, he did a good job!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

Cupcakes By Sonja

There has been no update for about a week now simply because I am busy with a lot of things! Making the most with the time we have left before flying home next week. Our schedules are booked till the day we fly out, we're busy as a beaver!

Anyways, it has been raining cats and dogs here. Rain makes me feel sluggish and makes me want to just stay in the comfort of my sisters' bed. But I don't want to waste a day so I coerced the Nurse to come with me and spend the afternoon at Serendra last Thursday. Her hospital duty was at 2200H so we have enough time.

We went to Market Market first. We did not get to look around because there were a lot of people, don't like crowded places. We only managed to get some shirts from Collezione C2, the ones with the Philippine map on it. We also bumped into a childhood friend from the military camp we used to live in; chatted a bit about the other military kids we know.

We then crossed to Serendra and had coffee and cupcakes at Cupcakes by Sonja. Been hearing about this before and finally tried it.

The cupcakes are sooo good! We brought home some for the people at home, even for the helpers. They all loved it!

The shop is cute and chic!

Definitely worth the try!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

Spending Time With My Sibs

Kaiden and I often go out on our own this time. My sisters and brother have different work and school schedules. Though it is mostly Sheila who keeps us company after her shift in the hospital, then Tyn would just meet us in the mall after office. We would also go out when Jay is off from Uni.

We have our own room here in the house but the Little One and I sleeps and stays at my sisters' bedroom; forcing the girls to let us! LOL! Jay would sometimes stay in the room and watch TV with us.

When everyone is at home, there is an abundance of food because we simply love to eat! We most of the time have food delivered. I love how most food shops here delivers, unlike in Australia and Latvia.

So when my siblings were all free last week, we met at the mall and just hang out there. Kaiden loves being surrounded by his loving Aunts and Uncle! They tease him all the time which makes being together a lot more fun!

Sheila likes to eat at A Veneto which is situated along with the other restos outside Glorietta 3; so that was where we went for dinner and had these:

Wasn't able to get pics of the other food we ordered because they came late and I forgot to take a shot of it.

That Italian place is quite good, has adequate food choices with reasonable price list. You just have to ignore some of their staff sleeping on the side tables.

We had a good time while we were there, enjoying each other's company!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

Kaiden Played While I Shopped

I apologize for not being able to do my usual visit at your blogs, for the Little One and I are having so much fun here in the Philippines! We have so many things to do, people to visit and places to go to, with so little time!

And shopping is one of them! Kaiden gets bored easily with shopping unless we are shopping for toys. It is difficult having a crabby child in tow while you try to enjoy hopping from one shop to the other. I found this minded play area in Glorietta last year, so that is where I take the Little One everytime the Mummy wants some "ME" time in the mall.

The place is called Kevin's Toys and Library, located at the 3rd Floor of Glorietta 4; across Woman and on the corner side of Rustan's. They have TVs, computer games, slides, play balls and lots of books and toys. The staff are very nice and friendly. They have this digital finger print thingy to make sure that it is the same parent/guardian who gets the child out. You will be asked for your finger print before the child get in and on the way out. Pretty good for security.

It was kinda funny to see that Kaiden have different playmates everytime I visit to check on him. He is always on the unlimited rate so I don't have to worry about time. I shop around, go back and get him out so we can eat then I bring him back; before finally going home.

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

Ice Age 3

Last Saturday, we attended a baptism at Malate Church and went to Robinson's Place to roam around and watch a movie for Kaiden. The mall was so crowded (at least for the Little One and I, coming from an unpopulated place like Brisbane), so my sister Tyn and I decided to go over to Power Plant.

There were 3 cinemas for Ice Age 3 which were all getting booked out as we were lining up for the tickets. We got the 1720H showing. As we were getting food and drinks, I accidentally bumped into a male celebrity here. I was waiting for our fruit shakes and the guy with his 2 daughters were going to the popcorn counter. I hit him as I was turning my back to look for my sister. I did not notice it was him till we passed by them to head to the cinema. He was with his wife and 3 daughters with 3 yayas in tow. We were seated just 3 rows apart.

Anyways, the movie was nice and funny. Kaiden liked it, laughed a lot and was very interested till the end.

Our next movie date will be Harry Potter! Can't wait!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

A Day At Singapore Changi Airport

The Little One and I had a very nice, safe and smooth trip from Brisbane to Manila via Singapore. Thank you for those safe flight wishes!

Everything was good except when Kaiden got sick along the flight. We were both sleeping when he suddenly throw up. All I can get was the plane's blanket. He spewed several times that soiled his clothes. I cleaned him up as well as the area and changed his clothes. I asked him what he feels and answered that he is sick in the belly. He don't want anything to eat or drink so I let him go back to sleep. I wasn't able to sleep from then on, worried about my Son.

When we got to Singapore at 0550H, I was thinking of going to a Lounge or checking into a Transit Hotel. I chose the latter and went to the airport's Ambassador Hotel. The Lounge is nice with it's free internet, food and drinks; but having a bedroom all to ourselves is way better! Kaiden and I will be able to rest and sleep before our next flight in 7 hours. We went to Terminal 3's Transit Hotel but they were booked out and gave us a spot at Terminal 2, so off we went.

We rested for a little while in our room and head out to have breakfast at Starbucks downstairs. Bought the Little One toys to entertain him and we went back to our hotel room.

I gave Kaiden a towel bath to clean him up. I wanted to have a shower to somehow freshen up but seeing the state of the bathroom made me think otherwise. I am not maarte, but when it comes to cleanliness, I am one!

Since I would not take a shower, I just lie down in the bed and tried to sleep. Kaiden was just watching the only kiddie channel on the telly. I was on the verge of being in deep sleep when my Son woke me. He was all dressed up with his socks, shoes and bag on him; then told me that he is ready to go. That was only about 15 minutes to 9 and we still have more than 4 hours to go. I told him to just watch tv while I get myself ready as well.

We checked-out at 1100H and just wandered around the terminal. Bought some knick knacks for Kaiden and had lunch first before we went to the Boarding Gate.

The SIN-MNL flight was a very good one too, but the Little One got sick again mid flight while sleeping. He threw up and went back to sleep. I did not disturb him when the food was served and just let him sleep. He woke up when we were already descending and got impatient that it was taking a long time for us to land! He was so excited to see his GrandDad and Lala!

. . . our Manila saunter to follow!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......

Manila . . . Here We Come!

Gorgeously . . .

Read More......